DoD has issued guidance regarding a temporary expansion of the Homeowners Assistance Program, which for DoD civilian employees primarily benefits, or will benefit, those who find themselves having to transfer because of base closings related to the ongoing round of closings that will continue for two more years.
The expansion was made possible by an additional grant of $555 million in the economic stimulus law passed earlier this year, although most of the funding likely will go to military personnel.
The program is designed to benefit certain persons who face financial losses selling their primary residence, and in recent years has been mainly authorized in areas where base closings have caused a decrease in market home values. The expansion temporarily increases the program in order to partially reimburse home sale losses in the following priority order:
* Wounded service members relocating for treatment or medical retirement, and for the survivors of those who have died while on deployment.
* Military and DoD civilians affected by the 2005 BRAC round, without the need to prove that the base closure caused the local market decline.
* Normal military permanent change of station (PCS) moves, on a temporary basis.
The enhanced benefit is effective through December, 31, 2009 from July, 1, 2006–and longer for wounded warriors/surviving spouses and personnel affected by BRAC.
For specific criteria and application, go to http://hap.usace.army.mil .
