Mortgage and utility assistance for South Dakota residents through Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). Mortgage assistance: This program is a LOAN program, up to a maximum of $25,000, will be in the form of a zero-interest loan, payable when the property is either transferred/sold or refinanced. Applicants will be required to contact their mortgage service provider to determine if other alternatives are available. Homeowners in need of immediate assistance should contact their loan servicer to discuss alternative options to prevent foreclosure or a HUD-approved Counseling Agency. Available utility assistance is not a loan, but a grant, so utilities will NOT have to be paid back. Must meet the following criteria: Income qualifications (vary by county) Household has experienced a significant financial hardship due to COVID-19 on or after January 21, 2020. (Must be COVID-related) Household can demonstrate a risk of housing instability or homelessness which may include a past due utility or mortgage notice. Link to Application To receive additional funding after their original assistance period has passed applicants should not complete a new application. They will be notified by email when they become eligible to reapply and they can log on to their applicant dashboard to reapply. Applicants are also free to reach out to their caseworker directly with questions about additional funding.