OLG INFO
Office of Loan Guarantee News
The following topics were shared with OLG stakeholders through email announcements and are archived here for your convenience. View OLG INFO Messages by selecting a month from the links below.
2025
2024
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2023
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August 2025
OLG INFO 2025-13 - Dear Lender Letter 2025-06: Revision to the Section 184 Claims Process
August 20, 2025 - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has published Dear Lender Letter 2025-06. The purpose of this DLL is to announce a revision to the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program’s Claims Process. These changes are designed to simplify documentation, reduce processing time, and create greater transparency for lenders. This updated process reflects our commitment to improving customer service, aligning with industry best practices, and ensuring more timely claim resolution. View the full DLL to learn more.
OLG INFO 2025-11 - REGISTER TODAY- Two Weeks Left!
August 11, 2025 - On September 10-11, 2025, the Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) will host an Underwriter’s Bootcamp for the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program at HUD Headquarters in Washington, DC. This immersive training session will focus on a mixture of interactive training, practical case studies, and group discussions essential for delegated and non-delegated Section 184 lenders and current and prospective Underwriters working with the Section 184 Program. This an invaluable opportunity to preview the new program guidance directly with Section 184 HQ staff. Whether you’re new to the Section 184 program or an experienced underwriter, this boot camp will provide you with tools to enhance your efficiency, knowledge to strengthen your skills, and support from program staff.
The deadline to register is August 22, 2025, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Registration is open now! RSVP HERE | View event agenda
July 2025
OLG INFO 2025-09 - Reminder of the Automatic 90-Day Foreclosure Moratorium for Presidentially Declared Major Disaster Area Policy for the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program
July 16, 2025 - In light of the recent Disaster Declarations issued by the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, including the Texas Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding declaration issued on July 6, 2025, under FEMA-4879-DR, we remind all Section 184 Lenders and Servicers of the existing Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Program (Section 184) Disaster Policy.
Under Public and Indian Housing (PIH) Notice 2015-15, issued on September 24, 2015, ONAP requires a moratorium on foreclosure of properties in Presidentially Declared Major Disaster Areas (PDMDA) for a period of 90-day period beginning on the date of the PDMDA declaration. Additional guidance on loss mitigation related to PDMDAs can be found in the same Notice.
Lastly, in the event ONAP determines an extension of the 90-day moratorium period is needed, ONAP will issue the extension through a Dear Lender Letter and announce the extension through an OLG Info announcement.
Section 184 Dear Lender Letters may be found at this link.
OLG INFO 2025-08 - HUD to Host a Section 184 Underwriter’s Boot Camp
July 1, 2025 - On September 10-11, 2025, the Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) will host an Underwriter’s Boot Camp for the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program at HUD Headquarters in Washington, DC. This immersive training session will focus on a range of key topics that are essential for Lenders, Direct Guarantee, Non-Direct Guarantee and Prospective Guarantee Underwriters working with the Section 184 Program. The boot camp will provide in-depth coverage, offering valuable insights and strategies to enhance your skills and knowledge.
This is an invaluable opportunity to preview the new program guidance directly with Section 184 HQ staff. Whether you’re new to the Section 184 program or an experienced underwriter, this boot camp will provide you with tools and knowledge to enhance your efficiency and support.
The deadline to register is August 22, 2025, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
Registration is open now! RSVP here.
June 2025
OLG INFO 2025-07 - ONAP Seeks Feedback on Chapter Five of the Section 184 Program Policy Handbook
June 9, 2025 - On June 11th, 2025, the Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) posted draft sections of the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program Policy Handbook (Handbook) to the Office of Loan Guarantee Drafting Table web page. The draft sections discuss servicing performing loans and change in servicer and holder reporting requirements.
Comments may be submitted by any Section 184 stakeholder, including Tribes, Tribally Designated Housing Entities, Lenders, Servicers, any entity and individual. Comments must be submitted using the Draft Handbook Feedback Sheet and emailed to Section184Comments@hud.gov. The subject line of the email should read “Section 184 Handbook Comments”.
Please note hyperlinks that may appear in the draft chapter are not active. Hyperlinks will be active when the official version is published.
The deadline to submit feedback is July 3rd, 2025, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. As a reminder, the draft sections of the Section 184 Policy Handbook are not official Departmental policy. ONAP appreciates your comments and input towards the modernization of the Section 184 Program.
OLG INFO 2025-06 - Recent FEMA Disaster Declarations and Reminder of Section 184 Program’s Presidentially Declared Major Disaster Area Policies
June 3, 2025 - In May 2025, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued Presidentially Declared Major Disaster Area (PDMDA) declarations for several states, including Arizona, Nebraska, Iowa, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Mississippi, Texas, and North Carolina. A full list of FEMA’s PDMDA declarations and the affected areas can be found here.
This OLG INFO is to remind Section 184 Lenders and Servicers under Notice PIH 2015-15, titled “Section 184 Indian Loan Guarantee Program Disaster Policy”, there is a required moratorium on foreclosures of properties in PDMDAs for a 90-day period, beginning on the date of the PDMDA declaration.
If the Office of Native American Programs determines an extension of the foreclosure moratorium beyond the 90-day period is appropriate ONAP will issue administrative guidance via Dear Lender Letter.
March 2025
OLG INFO 2025-04 - Extension of the Section 184 and Section 184A Loss Mitigation Options
March 6, 2025 - Dear Lender Letter 2025-04 extends the loss mitigation options currently in place for the Section 184 and Section 184A programs, which expired on March 1, 2025. The DLL extends these options to December 31, 2025, to align with the compliance date of the Section 184 Final Rule entitled “Strengthening the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program.” The extension retains a full suite of loss mitigation options for American Indian, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian borrowers established under DLL 2023-04 and related technical correction under DLL 2023-09.
OLG INFO 2025-03 - Updated Maximum Loan Limits for the Section 184 and Section 184A Loan Guarantee Programs for 2025
March 6, 2025 - Dear Lender Letter 2025-03 updates the maximum loan limits for the Section 184 and Section 184A Loan Guarantee Programs. Additionally, the DLL includes Section 184 loan limits for four recently added counties in Arkansas: Craighead, Crittenden, Greene, and Lonoke counties.
Attachment: 2025 Section 184 and Section 184A Loan Limits
OLG INFO 2025-05 - Extension of the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program Final Rule Compliance Date
March 5, 2025 - Dear Lender Letter (DLL) 2025-03 establishes a transition period between the Section 184 Final Rule effective date (December 31, 2024) and the compliance date (December 31, 2025). The DLL provides guidance for Tribes, Lenders, Servicers and other stakeholders on participating in the Section 184 program during the transition period, including a Questions and Answers supplemental document.
Attachment: Section 184 Transition Period Q&A Supplemental
OLG INFO 2025-02 - Extension of the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program Final Rule Compliance Date
March 5, 2025 - Dear Lender Letter (DLL) 2025-02 establishes a transition period between the Section 184 Final Rule effective date (December 31, 2024) and the compliance date (December 31, 2025). The DLL provides guidance for Tribes, Lenders, Servicers and other stakeholders on participating in the Section 184 program during the transition period, including a Questions and Answers supplemental document.
Attachment: Section 184 Transition Period Q&A Supplemental
OLG INFO 2025-01 - Extension of the Automatic 90-day Foreclosure Moratorium for Certain Presidentially Declared Major Disaster Area
March 5, 2025 - Dear Lender Letter 2025-01 extends the foreclosure mortarium period for Section 184 loans in Presidentially Declared Major Disaster Areas (PMDAs) within the States of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton until April 11, 2025.
For additional information on Section 184 and Section 184 A loans in a PDMA please see Public and Indian Housing (PIH) Notice 2015-15
OLG INFO 2025-04 - Updated Maximum Loan Limits for the Section 184 and Section 184A Loan Guarantee Programs for 2025
March 4, 2025 - Dear Lender Letter 2025-02 updates the maximum loan limits for the Section 184 and Section 184A Loan Guarantee Programs. Additionally, the DLL includes Section 184 loan limits for four recently added counties in Arkansas: Craighead, Crittenden, Greene, and Lonoke counties.
Attachment: 2025 Section 184 and Section 184A Loan Limits
October 2024
OLG INFO 2024-21 - ONAP Seeks Feedback on Draft Sections of the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program Policy Handbook
October 11, 2024 - On September 24, 2024, the Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) posted draft sections of the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program Policy Handbook (Handbook) to the Office of Loan Guarantee Drafting Table web page. The draft sections discuss the Section 184 loan origination through final Direct Guarantee Underwriter approval process and requirements. OLG INFO 2024-19 announced the comment closing period is Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
ONAP has received requests to extend the deadline given the size and importance of the guidance document.
ONAP agrees with the requests. The deadline to submit feedback is now extended to Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
As a reminder, the draft sections of the Section 184 Policy Handbook are not official Departmental policy. ONAP appreciates your comments and input towards the modernization of the Section 184 Program.
OLG INFO 2024-20 - Section 184, Section184A and Title VI Programs Open for Fiscal Year 2025
October 10, 2024 - On August 23, 2024, the Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) issued Dear Lender Letter 2024-08, informing Lenders and other stakeholders that the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee (Section 184), Section 184A Native Hawaiian Housing Loan (Section 184A) and Title VI Loan Guarantee (Title VI) programs would begin the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 financial closeout on September 22, 2024.
The financial closeout process is now complete. We are pleased to announce that on October 3, 2024, ONAP opened the Section 184, Section 184A and Title VI programs for FY 2025. ONAP has resumed issuing Cohort Numbers for these programs. Any requests for Cohort Numbers received during the financial closeout period was prioritized by the date of the request – with the oldest request being processed first.
September 2024
OLG INFO 2024-19 - ONAP Seeks Feedback on Draft Sections of the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program Policy Handbook
September 24, 2025 - Today, the Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) posted draft sections of the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program Policy Handbook (Handbook) to the Office of Loan Guarantee Drafting Table web page. The draft sections discuss the Section 184 loan origination through final Direct Guarantee Underwriter approval process and requirements.
Comments may be submitted by Tribes, Tribally Designated Housing Entities, Lenders, Servicers, any entity and individual. Comments must be submitted using the Draft Handbook Feedback Sheet and emailed to Section184Comments@hud.gov. The subject line of the email should read “Section 184 Handbook Comments”. Please note hyperlinks that may appear in the draft chapter are not active. Hyperlinks will be made active when the official version is published.
Deadline to submit feedback is Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. As a reminder, the draft sections of the Section 184 Policy Handbook are not official Departmental policy. ONAP appreciates your comments and input towards the modernization of the Section 184 Program.
OLG INFO 2024-18 - Correction to Section 184 and Section 184A FYE Close date
September 11, 2025 - The Office of Loan Guarantee has posted a corrected version of Dear Lender Letter (DLL) 2024-08. You can view the corrected version here. The corrected DLL clarifies that the closeout date for the Section 184 program is Sunday, September 22nd at 11:59 EDT and Sunday, September 22nd at 11:59 HST for the Section 184A program.
August 2024
OLG INFO 2024-17 - Correction to OLG INFO 2024-16
August 26, 2024 - In announcing the Office of Loan Guarantee Fiscal Year End Closure, the OLG INFO 2024-16 incorrectly stated that the Section 184, 184A and Title VI programs will cease issuing case numbers during the closeout period. These programs will continue to issue case numbers during the close out period and will cease issuing cohort numbers during this time. A corrected DLL 2024-08 is posted on the ONAP website and can be found here.
OLG INFO 2024-16 - DLL 2024-08- Informs Lenders and other stakeholders of the start of HUD’s FY 2024 financial closeout for the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan (Section 184), the Section 184A Native Hawaiian Housing Loan (Section 184A), and the Title VI Loan Guarantee (Title VI) programs.
August 23, 2024 - Dear Lender Letter 2024-08 informs Lenders and other stakeholders of the start of HUD’s FY 2024 financial closeout for the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan (Section 184), the Section 184A Native Hawaiian Housing Loan (Section 184A), and the Title VI Loan Guarantee (Title VI) programs.
Beginning on Sunday, September 22, 2024, HUD will begin its financial yearend closeout for FY 2024 for the Section 184, Section 184A, and Title VI programs.
Accordingly, the Section 184 and Title VI programs will cease issuing case numbers for any requests received after 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, September 24, 2024. The Section 184A program will cease issuing case numbers for any requests received after 11:59 HST the same day. These programs will continue to issue case numbers and Loan Guarantee Certificates during this time.
Lenders may continue to submit requests for cohort numbers during the closeout period. These requests will be reviewed and responded to upon the reopening of HUD’s financial systems in FY 2025.
OLG INFO 2024-15 - DLL 2024-07- Announces the extension of COVID-19 Loss Mitigation Options for the Section 184 and Section 184A programs.
August 22, 2024 - On August 22, 2024, the Office of Loan Guarantee (OLG) issued Dear Lender Letter 2024- 07 to announce the extension of COVID-19 Loss Mitigation Options for the Section 184 and Section 184A programs.
The COVID-19 Recovery Options may be offered through, but no later than, February 28, 2025, and completed no later than March 31, 2025. Lenders are reminded that, for the COVID-19 Recovery Modifications, they must comply with the Government National Mortgage Association’s (Ginnie Mae) mortgage-backed securities requirement that loans must be 90 or more Days Delinquent before they can be bought out of a Ginnie Mae pool.
July 2024
OLG INFO 2024-14 - DLL 2024-06- Section 184A Native Hawaiian Housing Loan Guarantee Program Properties Located within the Boundaries of the Waikoloa Maneuver Area Formerly Used Defense Site (WMA FUDS) on the Island of Hawaii
July 30, 2024 - On July 30, 2024, the Office of Loan Guarantee (OLG) issued Dear Lender Letter 2024-06 to inform Section 184A Native Hawaiian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund (Section 184A) Lenders of an update regarding Section 184A loan applications for certain properties located in the boundaries of the WMA FUDs.
The Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) welcomes feedback from interested parties for a period of 30 calendar days from the date of issuance. To provide feedback on this policy, please email comments to ONAP at Section184Comments@HUD.gov. ONAP will consider the feedback received in determining the need for future updates.
OLG INFO 2024-13 - This Dear Lender Letter (DLL) further extends the foreclosure moratorium in Maui County, Hawaii.
July 26, 2024 - On July 26, 2024, the Office of Loan Guarantee (OLG) issued Dear Lender Letter 2024-05 titled “Third Extension of the Foreclosure Moratorium in Connection with the Presidentially Declared Major Disaster Area in Maui County, Hawaii.” HUD is extending the foreclosure moratorium through January 1, 2025, for properties located in Maui County, Hawaii, and guaranteed by the Loan Guarantees for Native Hawaiian Housing (Section 184A) program.
The moratorium applies to the initiation of Section 184A loan assignments to HUD and to the completion of Section 184A loan assignments already in process. Deadlines for the first legal action and reasonable diligence time frame are extended by 180 days from January 1, 2025.
June 2024
OLG INFO 2024-01 - Strengthening the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program; Delay of Effective and Compliance Dates
June 14, 2024 - On March 20, 2024, HUD published a final rule titled “Strengthening the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program” (the Final Rule). Since publishing the final rule, HUD has determined that additional time is required to fully implement the rule. Initially, HUD has been drafting the Section 184 Program Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program Handbook (Section 184 Handbook). The Section 184 Handbook will provide comprehensive guidance and clarification for all stakeholders to fully understand and implement the final rule. Given the size of the Section 184 Handbook, HUD has determined that it will not be available prior to the current June 18, 2024, effective date. HUD has also determined that it needs additional time to ensure compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act requirements. Finally, HUD has determined that Tribes, lenders, servicers, and other participants need additional time to conform their policies, procedures, and systems to comply with final rule.
As a result of these factors, HUD is delaying the effective date of the final rule from June 18, 2024, until December 31, 2024. In addition, to provide HUD time to complete drafting the Section 184 Handbook and to provide stakeholders time to implement it, HUD is delaying compliance until March 1, 2025. The official announcement of the delay of the effective and compliance date was made in a Federal Register Notice on June 14, 2024.
OLG INFO 2024-01 - Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program Policy Handbook Feedback Sheet
June 3, 2024 - On June 3, 2024, the Office of Native American Programs published a revised Feedback Sheet on the Office of Loan Guarantee Drafting Table web page.
The revised Feedback Sheet is in Microsoft Word format. The prior Feedback Sheet was an Excel document, which made it difficult for stakeholders to type comments into the Excel cells.
Additionally, the revised Feedback Sheet instructions contains instructions stating all stakeholders, and not just Tribes or Tribally Designated Housing Entities, may use the form to submit comments.
May 2024
OLG INFO 2024-10 - Amendment to DLL 2023-10; Extension of Foreclosure Moratorium through August 4, 2024
May 29, 2024 - On May 24, 2024, the Office of Loan Guarantee (OLG) issued Dear Lender Letter 2024- 04 titled “Amendment to Dear Lender Letter 2023-10; Extension of Foreclosure Moratorium through August 4, 2024.”
HUD is extending the foreclosure moratorium through August 4, 2024, for properties located in Maui County, Hawaii, and guaranteed by the Loan Guarantees for Native Hawaiian Housing (Section 184A) program. The moratorium applies to the initiation of Section 184A loan assignments to HUD and to the completion of Section 184A loan assignments already in process.
Deadlines for the first legal action and reasonable diligence time frame are extended by 180 days from August 4, 2024.
OLG INFO 2024-09 - ONAP Seeks Feedback on Draft Sections of the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program Policy Handbook Section C, D & E
May 29, 2024 - Today, the Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) posted draft Sections of the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program Policy Handbook (Section 184 Policy Handbook) to the new OLG Drafting Table web page.
The draft Sections discuss the Section 184 approval process and continued participation requirements for Non-Direct Guarantee and Direct Guarantee Lenders, Servicers, Appraisers and Downpayment Assistance Providers.
All interested Stakeholders may submit comments to ONAP.
The comments must be submitted using the Draft Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program Policy Handbook (Section 184 Policy Handbook) Tribal Feedback Sheet and emailed to Section184Comments@hud.gov.
The deadline to submit comments is Thursday, June 13, 2024, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
As a reminder, the draft sections of the Section 184 Policy Handbook are not official Departmental policy.
ONAP appreciates Stakeholders’ comments and input towards the modernization of the Section 184 Program.
OLG INFO 2024-08 - ONAP Seeks Feedback on Draft Sections of the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program Policy Handbook Section A & B
May 3, 2024 - Today, the Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) posted draft Sections of the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program Policy Handbook to the new OLG Drafting Table web page.
The draft Sections discuss the Section 184 approval process and continued participation requirements for Tribes, Alaska Native Villages, and Regional or Village Corporations.
Only Tribes, Alaska Native Villages, and Regional or Village Corporations may submit comments to ONAP at this time.
The comments must be submitted using the Draft Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program Policy Handbook (Section 184 Policy Handbook) Tribal Feedback Sheet and emailed to Section184Comments@hud.gov.
Tribes, Alaska Native Villages, and Regional or Village Corporations are encouraged to thoroughly review the draft sections of the Section 184 Policy Handbook and provide feedback through Friday, May 31, 2024, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
As a reminder, the draft sections of the Section 184 Policy Handbook are not official Departmental policy.
ONAP appreciates your comments and input towards the modernization of the Section 184 Program.
April 2024
OLG INFO 2024-07 - This OLG Info serves as a reminder and clarification regarding the Loss Mitigation options introduced in DLL 2023-04.
April 23, 2024 - On May 12, 2023, HUD issued Dear Lender Letter (DLL) 2023-04, which outlined the expansion of the Loss Mitigation options for borrowers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This OLG Info serves as a reminder and clarification regarding the Loss Mitigation options introduced in DLL 2023-04. The flexibilities outlined in DLL 2023-04 will remain effective and may be offered through, but no later than, October 30, 2024, and completed no later than February 27, 2025.
These flexibilities and their end date, will not be superseded by the publication and implementation of the Servicing Chapter of the new Section 184 Handbook.
OLG INFO 2024-076 - Director of Office of Loan Guarantee, Krisa M. Johnson to Retire June 29, 2024
April 18, 2024 - From the Director’s Desk:
It is with mixed emotions that I officially announce my retirement from HUD’s Office of Native American Programs (ONAP), as the Director of the Office of Loan Guarantee (OLG), effective June 29, 2024.
It has been an honor to serve Indian Country and work alongside so many dedicated housing practitioners over the course of the last 15 years. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to learn from so many of you as we worked collaboratively to make the dream of homeownership a reality for many Native families.
I am equally proud of the work we have all done to advance the Section 184 program after 25 years, with updated regulations and a new Handbook providing clear guidance for using the program. These comprehensive updates will provide opportunities for new lending partners and existing Section 184 stakeholders to engage with Tribes and Tribal members as they pursue homeownership.
Effective Monday, April 22, 2024, ONAP will transfer daily OLG operations to Brian Cook. Brian has most recently served as the Director of ONAP Operations, and you may remember him from his previous role as an OLG underwriter. I will continue to play a leadership role in OLG policy development for the Section 184, Section 184A and Title VI programs during this transition.
Additionally, I will continue to work on the new Section 184 Handbook and the Native Advantage system.
I have been privileged to work with amazing leadership and truly committed people at HUD and throughout Indian Country. Working with these programs that provide opportunities for Indian Tribes, Indian families, Alaska Native Villages and Corporations has been the highlight of my career. A special thanks to all who have welcomed me, informed me, and allowed me the personal growth only Indian Country can provide.
Thank you for your continued support of these critical HUD programs that serve Native communities. Wishing you all peace and prosperity.
March 2024
OLG INFO 2024-05 - Discontinuation of Weekly Servicing Reports for All Borrowers on a COVID-19 Loss Mitigation Option
March 28, 2024 - On May 19, 2020, HUD issued Dear Lender Letter (DLL) 2020-06, which required Lenders to submit a Section 184/184A Servicing Report on a weekly basis, beginning on June 1, 2020, for all Borrowers under a COVID-19 Loss Mitigation Option.
DLL 2020-06 was superseded on January 19, 2022, under DLL 2022-01 and subsequently amended as DLL 2022-03. Neither DLL 2022-01, nor any subsequent DLL, required weekly Servicing Reports for Borrowers under a COVID-19 Loss Mitigation Option.
This OLG INFO reminds Lenders that as of January 19, 2022, weekly Servicing Reports for Borrowers under a COVID-19 Loss Mitigation Options are no longer required.
OLG INFO 2024-04 - Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program Final Rule Published in the Federal Register
March 20, 2024 - Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published the final rule on the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee (Section 184) program in the Federal Register. A link to the final rule is here. The final rule expands and revises the Section 184 program regulations to address the program’s growing demands, increase transparency and accountability, and strengthen the program to ensure that it remains viable for many years to come.
The final rule strengthens and modernizes the Section 184 program by:
- Codifying current practices, policies and procedures, and adopts relevant industry standards;
- Incorporating many of the Tribal comments received during Tribal consultation and the proposed rule public comment period;
- Setting expectations for Lenders and Servicers and providing an explicit framework within which Lenders and Servicers must operate;
- Enhancing safeguards for Native American borrowers and increasing partnership opportunities with Tribes; and
- Addressing program weaknesses identified by the Office of the Inspector General.
Overall, HUD conducted 28 Tribal Consultations on the rule. These consultations began before HUD started drafting the proposed rule and continued through the public comment period on the proposed rule, which was published on December 21, 2022. The final rule reflects public comments received during this period.
HUD appreciates all Tribal leaders and housing practitioners, Lenders, Servicers and Tribal members who participated in Tribal consultations and submitted comments on the rule. This input was essential in developing the final rule. The final rule has a 90-day implementation period, during which time HUD will be drafting the handbook implementing the final rule.
OLG INFO 2024-03 - ONAP Native Advantage – Loan Origination Module Release and Business Process Change
March 19, 2024 - Today, March 19, 2024, the Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) published Dear Lender Letter (DLL) 2024-03 announcing the upcoming release of the Native Advantage – Loan Origination Module and the associated business process change. The Loan Origination Module will automate and modify how Case Numbers and Cohort Numbers are issued for Section 184 and 184A loans.
In preparation for the Native Advantage release and process changes, effective May 1, 2024, only DG Lenders will be able to request Case Numbers through the existing Section 184/184A processes. NonDG Lenders will be required to submit their Case Number requests to their approved DG Lender/Sponsor. The DG Lender/Sponsor will send the request to HUD on behalf of the non-DG Lender and return the issued Case Number.
ONAP anticipates releasing the Native Advantage – Loan Origination Module in early summer 2024. When this module is released, DG Lenders with access must obtain Case Numbers and Cohort Numbers through Native Advantage.
February 2024
OLG INFO 2024-02 - Updated Appraisal Validity Periods
February 28, 2024 - On February 28, 2024, the Office of Loan Guarantee (OLG) issued Dear Lender Letter 2024-02 titled “Updated Appraisal Validity Periods”. The purpose of the Dear Lender Letter (DLL) is to extend the initial appraisal and appraisal update validity periods for Section 184 and Section 184A loans.
The DLL updates the initial validity period from 120 days to 180 days from the effective date of the appraisal report and extends the appraisal update validity period from 240 days to one year. This DLL is effective for Section 184 and Section 184A case numbers assigned on or after February 28, 2024. For appraisals related to Servicing and Loss Mitigation, the provisions of the DLL apply to appraisals with effective dates on or after February 28, 2024.
January 2024
OLG INFO 2024-01 - Revised Maximum Loan Limits for Section 184 and Section 184A Loan Guarantee Program
January 30, 2024 - Dear Lender Letter 2024-01 (DLL) updates the maximum loan limits for the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee (Section 184) and Section 184A Native Hawaiian Housing Loan Guarantee (Section 184A) program. Additionally, this DLL announces Section 184 loan limits for two recently added counties, the county of Putnam in Texas and LaSalle in Illinois.
Attachments
November 2023
OLG INFO 2023-15 - ONAP Extends Additional Relief to Borrowers Recovering from Devastating Wildfires in Maui County, Hawaii
November 9, 2023 - Today, the Office of Native American Housing (ONAP) is announcing that it is extending the foreclosure moratorium for borrowers with Section 184A Native Hawaiian Housing Loan Guarantee program (Section 184A) loans in Maui County, Hawaii. ONAP is providing this extension in recognition of the unprecedented challenges facing borrowers with Section 184A loans following the August 2023 wildfire disaster in Maui. The extension will give impacted borrowers more time to consult with loan servicers and housing counselors, as well as access federal, state and/or local housing resources without having to contend with the burden of an impending foreclosure action.
ONAP’s automatic 90-day foreclosure moratorium for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Hawaii Wildfires (DR-4724-HI) declaration was originally set to expire on November 8, 2023. With today’s Dear Lender Letter 2023-10, Extension of the Foreclosure Moratorium in Connection with the Presidentially Declared Major Disaster in Maui County, Hawaii, ONAP is instructing loan servicers to halt any new or in process 184A loan assignments to HUD for Maui County through May 6, 2024.
Borrowers in Maui County with Section 184A loans who are impacted by the wildfires should contact their loan servicer immediately for assistance. Borrowers can also obtain additional assistance by reaching out to a HUD- approved housing counseling agency. These agencies have counselors available to assist those impacted by natural disasters in determining assistance needs and identifying available resources.
Homeowners can find a HUD-approved housing counseling agency online or use HUD’s telephone look-up tool by calling (800) 569-4287. The telephone look-up tool includes access to information in more than 250 different languages. There is never a fee for foreclosure prevention counseling.
October 2023
OLG INFO 2023-14 - Section 184 and 184A Programs Open for Fiscal Year 2024
October 6, 2023 - On August 24, 2023, the Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) issued Dear Lender Letter 2023-08, informing Lenders and other stakeholders that the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee (Section 184) and Title VI Loan Guarantee (Title VI) programs would begin the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 financial closeout beginning on September 24, 2023; and the Section 184A Native Hawaiian Home Loan (Section 184A) program would begin the FY 2023 financial closeout beginning on September 22, 2023.
The Section 184 and Section 184A FY 2023 financial closeout process is now complete. We are pleased to announce that on October 5, 2023, ONAP opened the Section 184 and Section 184A programs for FY 2024. ONAP will resume issuing Cohort Numbers for these programs. Any requests for Cohort Numbers received during the financial closeout period will be prioritized by the date of the request – with the oldest request being processed first.
The Section 184 and Section 184A programs brings the dream of homeownership to thousands of Alaska Native, Native American, and Native Hawaiian families annually. We look forward to seeing all the good that these programs will do this year.
August 2023
OLG INFO 2023-13 - Technical Correction to Dear Lender Letter 2023-04
August 31, 2023 - Technical Correction to Dear Lender Letter 2023-04 On August 31, 2023, the Office of Loan Guarantee (OLG) issued Dear Lender Letter 2023-09 titled “Technical correction to Dear Lender Letter 2023-04”. The purpose of this Dear Lender Letter (DLL) is to issue a technical correction to DLL 2023-04 titled “Expansion of COVID-19 Loss Mitigation Options” issued on May 12, 2023.
In one section of the DLL 2023-04, HUD erroneously left out referencing COVID-19 Recovery Loss Mitigation Advance (COVID-19 Recovery LMA) when discussing the Section 184A program. However, in another section of the same DLL, HUD expressly stated COVID-19 Recovery LMA was available to Section 184 and Section 184A borrowers.
DLL 2023-09’s technical correction makes clear COVID-19 Recovery LMA is indeed available to Section 184A borrowers.
OLG INFO 2023-12 - Office of Loan Guarantee Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Year End Closure
August 25, 2023 - On August 24, 2023, the Office of Native American Programs issued a corrected Dear Lender Letter 2023-08 titled “Office of Loan Guarantee Fiscal Year End Closure” (DLL). The corrected DLL implements the start of HUD’s Fiscal Year 2023 financial closeout for the Section 184 Indian Home Loan (Section 184), Section 184A Native Hawaiian Home Loan (Section 184A) and the Title VI Loan (Title VI) Guarantee programs.
Under the DLL, Lenders must submit all requests for a Cohort Number no later than the following deadlines:
Section 184 and Title VI: 11:59 pm EDT, Sunday, September 24, 2023
Section 184A: 11:59 am HST, Friday, September 22, 2023
OLG INFO 2023-11 - Reduction in Upfront and Annual Loan Guarantee Fees and the Mortgage Credit Analysis Worksheet
August 17, 2023 - On June 6, 2023, the Office of Loan Guarantee (OLG) issued Dear Lender Letter 2023- 05 titled “Reduction in the Upfront and Annual Loan Guarantee Fees.” (DLL). The DLL implemented the reduction in the Section 184 Upfront Loan Guarantee Fee from 1.50 to 1.00 percent and the Annual Loan Guarantee Fee from 0.25 to 0.00 percent. OLG is clarifying that although the Section 184 fees have been reduced, there is no change in the instructions for lenders when completing the required Mortgage Credit Analysis Worksheet (MCAW).
In particular, the MCAW instruction stating “[f]or all case numbers issued on or after 11-15-14, [the lender] must also complete the Amortization & Fee Schedule worksheet.” has not changed nor been removed. All Section 184 lenders must continue to comply with all applicable MCAW instructions, including providing Section 184 borrowers with the amortization schedule as part the loan closing.
OLG INFO 2023-10 - Section 184A Presidentially Declared Major Disaster Area Policy
August 15, 2023 - On August 10, 2023, President Joseph R. Biden declared a major disaster exists in the State of Hawaii. As a result, the Office of Loan Guarantee (OLG) is reminding Native Hawaiian Housing Loan Guarantee Program (Section 184A) lenders and servicers of the Presidentially Declared Major Disaster Area (PDMDA) policy for Section 184A loans in Dear Lender Letter 2023-04 titled “Expansion of COVID-19 Loss Mitigation Options”. We encourage Section 184A lenders and servicers to carefully review the Section 184A PDMDA policy, which provides for a moratorium on foreclosures of properties in PDMDAs for a 90-day period beginning on the date of each Disaster Area Declaration. The moratorium applies to the initiation of foreclosures and foreclosures already in process and the initiation of 184A mortgage assignments to HUD and 184A mortgage assignments already in process. Section 184A lenders and services are encouraged to email OLG at 184A@hud.gov if there are any questions about the Section 184A PDMDA policy.
OLG INFO 2023-09 - Temporary Expansion of Single Close Construction and Rehabilitation Loan Reimbursement for Stored Materials and Shipping Costs Policy
August 3, 2023 - On August 3, 2023, HUD issued Dear Lender Letter 2023-07 (DLL) titled “Temporary Expansion of Single Close Construction and Rehabilitation Loan Reimbursement for Stored Materials and Shipping Costs Policy.”
The DLL announced the expansion of the reimbursement for stored materials and shipping costs policy. The expanded policy allows for single close construction and rehabilitation loans to include the pre-purchase of stored materials and shipping costs for loans on properties located in all Section 184 Eligible Areas and all Hawaiian Homeland areas.
OLG INFO 2023-08 - Dear Lender Letter 2023-06- Section 184 Expansion and Maximum Loan Limits
August 1, 2023 - On August 1, 2023, HUD issued Dear Lender Letter 2023-06 (DLL) titled “Updates to the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee (Section 184) Program Eligible Lending Areas and 2023 Section 184 Program Maximum Loan Limits.” The DLL announced the expansion of the Section 184 program into 23 counties in Tennessee and 14 counties in Texas. Additionally, the DLL announced the 2023 Maximum Loan Limits for the newly approved counties.
June 2023
OLG INFO 2023-07 - Reduction of Section 184 Upfront and Annual Loan Guarantee Fees; Revised Mortgage Credit Analysis Worksheet to be published June 30, 2023
June 29, 2023 - On June 6, 2023, the Office of Loan Guarantee (OLG) issued Dear Lender Letter 2023-05 titled “Reduction in the Upfront and Annual Loan Guarantee Fees.” (DLL). The DLL provides for the reduction in the Upfront Loan Guarantee fee from 1.50 to 1.00 percent and the Annual Loan Guarantee fee from 0.25 percent to 0.00 percent. The fees reduction is effective July 1, 2023. The DLL provides guidance on how the fees reduction are to be implemented.
HUD has also revised the Mortgage Credit Analysis Worksheet (MCAW) so that the revised fee reductions are properly calculated. On June 30, 2023, HUD will publish the revised MCAW on Codetalk, under the “Lenders Section 184 Resources” page. Lenders must utilize the revised MCAW in accordance with the DLL, in addition to the instructions provided with the revised MCAW.
OLG INFO 2023-06 - Rescission of OLG INFO 2022-09 regarding Internal Revenue Service Tax Transcripts
June 12, 2023 - On May 17, 2022, the Office of Loan Guarantee (OLG) issued OLG INFO 2022-09 (Amended), which provided an exception to the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program policy regarding the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax transcripts. The exception was provided due to the IRS experiencing delays in processing income tax return filings and providing IRS tax transcripts.
IRS is no longer experiencing these delays. As a result, effective for Firm Commitments issued on or after July 10, 2023, OLG INFO 2022-09 (Amended) shall be rescinded. Upon the rescission of OLG INFO 2022-09, Lenders must resume complying with the IRS tax transcript policy found in chapter 5 of the Section 184 Processing Guidelines
OLG INFO 2023-05 - ONAP Reduces the Section 184 Upfront and Annual Loan Guarantee Fees to Support Affordable Homeownership
June 6, 2023 - The Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) announced today through Dear Lender Letter 2023- 05 a reduction in the Section 184 upfront loan guarantee fee from 1.50 to 1.00 percent and the annual loan guarantee fee from 0.25 to 0.00 percent. This reduction supports the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of making homeownership more accessible and affordable for the nation’s homebuyers.
Today’s Dear Lender Letter provides guidance to lenders on the implementation of the fee reductions as published in the Federal Register on May 4, 2023. The fee reductions will apply to all new Section 184 guaranteed loans effective July 1, 2023. The fee reductions will not apply to Section 184 guaranteed loans closed prior to the effective date. The reduction in fees will make Section 184 guaranteed loans more affordable to Native American families and help remove barriers to private financial capital.
May 2023
OLG INFO 2023-04 - ONAP Reduces the Section 184 Upfront and Annual Loan Guarantee Fees to Support Affordable Homeownership
May 12, 2023 - Today, the Office of Native American Programs, Office of Loan Guarantee published Dear Lender Letter 2023-04, Expansion of the COVID-19 Loss Mitigation Options. This DLL will extend the time period that the Section 184 and Section 184A COVID-19 loss mitigation options are available and expand the availability of these options to additional borrowers. Specifically, the DLL:
- Extends the COVID-19 Advance Loan Modification and the Recovery Loss Mitigation Options to all borrowers in default regardless of the reason for their hardship.
- Updates the COVID-19 Recovery Loss Mitigation Advance and the COVID-19 Recovery Native Loan Modification to raise the maximum loss mitigation advance amount permitted from 25 percent to 30 percent.
- Updates Loss Mitigation for Borrowers in Presidentially Declared Major Disaster Areas.
As a result of the expansion of the COVID-19 loss mitigation options, the Partial Claims and Loan Modification loss mitigation options found in PIH Notice 2014-11, and Loan Modification loss mitigation option found in the Section 184A Processing Guide are suspended concurrent with this DLL.
The provisions of this DLL may be implemented immediately, but must be implemented no later than May 31, 2023, in all cases where the Lender/Servicer has not sent documents to the borrower to complete any loss mitigation option.
April 2023
OLG INFO 2023-03 - Revised Loan Limits Section 184 and Section 184A
April 25, 2023 - Dear Lender Letter 2023-03 updates the maximum loan limits for the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee (Section 184) and Section 184A Native Hawaiian Home Loan Guarantee (Section 184A) program.
Attachments
OLG INFO 2023-02 - HUD Revises Policy on Expansion of the Section 184 Program Area
April 14, 2023 - On April 13, 2023, HUD issued Dear Lender Letter (DLL) 2023-02 that updates the process for Tribes to request an expansion of the eligible lending area for the Section 184 program. On a county-by-county basis, Tribes may now request an expansion of their Section 184 Program Area, by providing the reason for their request and a Tribal certification, in accordance with the DLL.
OLG INFO 2023-01 - Extension for COVID-19 Forbearance
April 11, 2023 - On April 10, 2023, the President terminated the COVID-19 National Emergency. As a result, on April 11, 2023, the Office of Loan Guarantee issued Dear Lender Letter 2023-01 (DLL), Extension for COVID-19 Forbearance, to provide ample time for Borrowers to request a COVID-19 Forbearance, if needed, and time for Lenders and Servicers to process these requests. The DLL establishes a final date for requesting COVID-19 Forbearance and a final date for when the COVID-19 Forbearance must terminate. The DLL applies to the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee (Section 184) program and Section 184A Native Hawaiian Home Loan Guarantee (Section 184A) program.