Homeowner Assistance and Reimbursement Programs (HARP)
Things to Know
Texas General Land Office • recovery.texas.gov • 1.844.893.8937
Homeowner Assistance and Reimbursement Programs (HARP)
HARP has several layers of oversight, including federal, state, county, and city, each with its own set of regulations that must
be followed. Intake of applications and supporting documents is a process with several steps and phases. As applicants move
forward in the process, they will likely need to provide additional and/or updated information or documentation. If that information
is not provided, the application cannot move forward.
Only the applicant’s primary residence on the date of the disaster is eligible for assistance. If multiple properties are owned by
the applicant/co-applicant, a notarized written statement must be provided arming principle residency of the damaged unit and
explaining ownership of the other properties.
GLO estimates the cost of repairs that were completed or need to be completed based on the cost of industry standard materials.
Applicants may not be reimbursed for above-grade items in their homes. Likewise, GLO may not replace the same type of material
that was previously in the home. For example, travertine countertops or wood oors may be priced at the cost of laminate
countertops and ooring for reimbursement purposes or may be replaced with these materials.
Texas Senate Bill 812, passed by the 86th legislature, limits the amount that a taxing authority can increase values on homes that
sustained substantial damage during a severe weather event. Contact your local appraisal district to determine how this may affect
your property taxes after repairs are complete.
Under HARP, homeowners must stay in their homes for a one-year (reimbursement) or three-year (repair/reconstruction)
affordability period. During that time, homeowners can add onto the home or make alterations, but should be mindful of whether
those alterations will void any builder’s warranty.
Applicants that are in a oodplain and are not elevated to federally required elevation levels must be elevated before assistance
can be provided. This can result in an offer of reconstruction assistance when needed. Due to federal requirements, assistance can
never be approved for homes that remain within a oodway.
If an applicant has an income level that exceeds 120% of the Area Median Family Income (AMFI) limit and the property is in a
oodplain, they must provide proof of ood insurance and income documentation dated at the time of the storm.
If the applicant cannot prove they spent all their disaster funds on eligible repairs, a duplication of benets may exist, and the
applicant may need to use their own funds to cover a portion of the assistance costs.
If home repairs were made by the applicant before the application was submitted, receipts may be requested, and the applicant
may be asked to provide a Homeowner Self Certication of Home Repairs form to substantiate repaired items. Sweat equity is not
reimbursable and will not reduce any amounts determined to duplicate other sources of funds.
GLO only reimburses, repairs, or replaces items on the main home and not additional structures, such as sheds, fences, pools, or
landscaping.
Applicants should be aware of the following, in addition to what’s stated in our Overview and Program Checklist. Applicants have
a right to appeal GLO determinations. Extenuating circumstances will be considered as part of the appeals process.
HARP Program Overview
HARP Document Checklist
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