Appeals process

Español

About the HARP appeals process

HARP applicants and participants have the right to challenge certain decisions made by the program.^[1]

 For example, an applicant might appeal if HARP deems them unqualified, and a participant might appeal if HARP determines that they should receive a smaller grant award.

Types of decisions that are commonly appealed

HARP appeals normally involve one or more situations, such as the following:

• Program qualification
• Calculation of grant award^[2]
• Cost estimates for repairs or reconstruction^[3]
• Duplication of benefits
• File closure
  

Appeal milestones and deadlines

All appeals must be submitted in writing to HARP within 30 calendar days of the participant’s or applicant’s receipt of a program determination letter or denial notice.

• An appeal must include a detailed explanation of the reason for the appeal, and must include any supporting documents. Case leads have information about required documentation.
• An appeal may include more than one issue for consideration, but all reasons must be submitted in one appeal.

In certain situations, an applicant may request more time to complete their appeal.

• All requests should include a detailed explanation for the missed deadline (defined as 30 calendar days from the notification of HARP’s decision).
• Applicants can submit requests via their assigned case lead.
• If an extension is approved, the applicant will receive up to 30 more calendar days to complete the appeal.

Once ReOregon receives a written appeal, ReOregon will confirm receipt with the applicant within three to five business days.

Notices about appeals regarding Uniform Relocation Act benefits and relocation

If tenants occupy part of the property, they have the right to file appeals concerning relocation assistance. Their appeals process is similar to that of applicants, though tenants have 60 calendar days from the date of the program’s determination to submit a request for appeal.

Appeal review and determination

Sometimes, the HARP appeals team may request more information from an applicant, participant, or third party. Once the team receives all necessary documents, or determines that no more details can be obtained, they will begin their review.

In most cases, the program will issue an appeal determination letter within 20 business days of receiving a completed appeal. The letter will explain the decision in detail, and the appeals team will follow up with the applicant or tenant within seven business days of sending it.

The program will inform the applicant or tenant of their options, which are:

• Accept the appeal determination
• Reject the appeal determination
• File for a Level II final appeal review (response deadline of 15 business days; if no response is received, the program will accept the appeal determination on the applicant’s or tenant’s behalf)

If an appeal requires more review time, the program will issue a "delayed decision" notification to the applicant or tenant and provide periodic updates.

How to submit and withdraw an appeal

Submitting an appeal

Homeowners may submit an appeal at a ReOregon Intake Center via email, on the HARP Application Portal, or through postal mail addressed to:

If a homeowner needs to submit an appeal via email or postal mail, they must include a detailed explanation of the reason for the appeal, as well as supporting documentation.

Withdrawing an appeal

Applicants and tenants may voluntarily withdraw appeals before final appeal determination with a written, signed request sent via email or postal mail. After an appeal withdrawal, an applicant’s or tenant’s HARP status remains as it was prior to submitting the appeal.

Contact us

Homeowners who have questions or concerns should email housingsupport@reoregon.org or contact their case lead or relocation specialist.

Footnotes: