HAP temporarily expands for homeowners Published April 20, 2009 By 1st Lt. Lauren Wright 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Editor's Note: A1C Abigail Klein, 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs command information editor, contributed to this article. Military members affected by the housing market because of permanent change of station orders could see some relief through the Department of Defense Homeowners Assistance Program, which has recently and temporarily expanded its potential beneficiaries. The program permanently offers injured and ill servicemembers (who are part of the warriors in transition program) and surviving spouses of fallen servicemembers government assistance if they lost money or cannot sell their homes. However, the program was temporarily expanded to assist other homeowner groups whose medical or professional situations require them to sell their primary residences and relocate beyond a normal commuting distance, according to the Homeowners Assistance Program Web site, http://hap.usace.army.mil/Benefits.html. These homeowner groups' eligibility expires in September 2012 and consists servicemembers and federal civilian employees affected by the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure, and service members being permanently reassigned to another location. "The HAP program is beneficial to Airmen because some servicemembers could have lost thousands of dollars from the housing down-turn," said 1st. Lt. Matthew Dunn, 28th Force Support Squadron military personnel section chief. HAP benefits offset some of the losses incurred when homes are sold, purchased by the government, or foreclosed upon. According to official HAP documents, an approved HAP claim and benefit will still result in some financial loss; HAP attempts to reduce the magnitude of the housing sale losses to a level that does not wipe out finances and credit. Responses to frequently asked questions on the HAP site indicate that one group of intended beneficiaries of the new HAP program are homeowners that are moving because of a permanent change of station order. Under the program, "eligible applicants may be compensated for the difference between 95 percent of the appraised fair market value of the property prior to the announcement date, and the appraised value of the property at the time of sale, or the sales price, whichever is greater. Closing costs are reimbursed for private sales." "It's important to remember that this program isn't about servicemembers making money, it's about them being reimbursed for what they may have lost during a military relocation," Lieutenant Dunn said. A U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development market analysis specific to the Rapid City housing market area indicates the sales housing market here is balanced. The study anticipates demand will be strongest in the $150,000 to $250,000 price range from 2008 to 2011. Members interested in applying must meet various eligibility requirements, which are available on the HAP Web site. For instance, the property must be the primary residence of the owner, and the owner must not have previously received these benefit payments. Additionally, the property must have been purchased or have a signed contract to purchase before July 1, 2006 and sold by the owner between July 1, 2006 and Sept. 30, 2012. Permanent change of station orders also play a role in eligibility as the owner must have been required to move more than 50 miles and received orders between Feb. 1, 2006 and Sept. 30, 2012. DoD is working to establish guidance on applicant processing and benefits; no action will be taken on applications until guidance is received. In the meantime, potential applicants may complete the application and mail it to their appropriate HAP district. For more information about the HAP eligibility requirements and application procedures, visit http://hap.usace.army.mil/Benefits.html.