Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP) FAQs

UPDATED: 02 JULY 2009

Please note that this FAQ is for informational purposes only. Neither the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) nor the Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee (PDTATAC) is responsible in any way for the determination or administration of the Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP). Please do not contact the DTMO or PDTATAC with questions or concerns about this program. For information regarding this program please contact the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Public Law (P.L. 111-5) §1001 amended the HAP (42 USC 3374) 111-5 dated 17 February 2009.  The amended temporary changes are effective for certain benefits on separate dates; however, all are terminated 30 September 2012. HAP is administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and may provide some financial assistance to eligible personnel ICW base closures (temporary waived) and other circumstances established by P.L. 111-5.

Q1. What is the Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP)?

HAP provides for some monetary relief for eligible federal personnel - both Armed Forces (DOD Services and Coast Guard) members and federal civilian employees - faced with losses on the sale of their primary residence when in an area where real estate values have declined because of a Base Realignment or Closure.

Q2. How does HAP work?

If you are eligible for HAP benefits:
1. The GOV’T can reimburse you for part of your loss from selling your home, or
2. The GOV’T can buy your home by paying off the mortgage, or
3. HAP can help you if you default on your mortgage.

Who is eligible for HAP?

Applicants must be:

1. An Armed Forces member (DOD Services and Coast Guard), federal civilian employee or non-appropriated fund employee assigned/employed at or near the installation announced for realignment or closure and be the owner-occupant on the announcement date; or
2. Personnel transferred or terminated within six months prior to the announcement, who were owner-occupants at the time of transfer; or
3. Civilian employee homeowners on an overseas tour with reemployment rights in the area affected by the closure; or
4. An Armed Forces member homeowner ordered into on-post housing within six months prior to the announcement; and
5. Relocating beyond commuting distance from the area.

Q3. How do I apply for HAP benefits?

The basic application is made on DD Form 1607. You can obtain this form from either the housing office, the personnel office on base, or at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/forminfo/forminfopage680.html.
Contact the appropriate US Army Corps of Engineers office or Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP) website.