Homeowner’s assistance program expanded

  • Published
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  The homeowner's assistance program, or HAP, has been expanded to provide assistance during the mortgage crisis.

HAP was originally designed to provide some monetary relief to eligible servicemembers and federal employees (including non-appropriated fund) who suffer financial loss on the sale of their primary residences when a base closure or realignment announcement causes a decline in the residential real estate market.

There are three groups affected by the expansion of HAP:
1. Warriors in Transition (30 percent or greater disability): military and civilian personnel who incurred wound, injury, or illness in the line of duty during a deployment in support of the Armed Forces on or after Sept. 11, 2001, and surviving spouses of fallen servicemembers relocating within two years of a spouse's death. This group's eligibility for the expanded HAP is not temporary.
2. BRAC05 military servicemembers and federal civilian employees were added by removing the prior law requirement for proof of the casual relationship between a closure/realignment announcement and local housing markets' decline. Applicants must have been the owner occupant on May 13, 2005, or prior to July 1, 2006, and must sell their home prior to Sept. 30, 2012. This group's eligibility for the expanded HAP is temporary and will expire by Sept. 30, 2012 (or an earlier end date designated by the Secretary of Defense).
3. Servicemembers being permanently reassigned to another location (more than 50 miles) between Feb. 1, 2006, and Sept. 30, 2012. The property must have been purchased (or contract to purchase signed) before July 1, 2006, and sold between July 1, 2006, and Sept. 30, 2012. This Group's eligibility for the expanded HAP is temporary and will expire by Sept. 30, 2012 (or an earlier end date designated by the Secretary of Defense)

To apply, visit the HAP Web site at hap.usace.army.mil, and download the application package. The completed application may be processed through the housing office or mailed directly to the Corps of Engineer District responsible for the area in which your home is located. Address may be found on the HAP Web site. The expected processing time normally takes 90 to 120 days to complete, depending on the number of applicants and staffing.