How to Apply

In this Section

The TTF Application Process

The TTF application process has two key steps: (1) determining eligibility; and (2) requesting funding. The steps can be done at the same time, or the applicant can wait to request funding until after being found eligible. If funding is needed immediately, please request funding at the same time as applying.

About the Tangled Title Fund

The Steps

In general, it is most helpful to work with an attorney, paralegal, or housing counselor to complete the TTF application process. Click here to be connected to a free attorney, paralegal, or housing counselor.

Step 1: Submit a complete TTF application to the TTF Administrator. This information will be used to determine if the applicant is eligible for a TTF grant.
Step 2: Make a request for funding by submitting a TTF Disbursement Request Form to the TTF Administrator. If there are multiple eligible costs (e.g., taxes, filing fees, title reports), please submit a separate Disbursement Form, and required backup documentation, for each one.

Important Notes

All disbursement requests must be approved by the TTF Committee. The fact that an applicant was determined to be eligible for TTF support does not mean that a specific disbursement request for the applicant will be approved.
Please submit disbursement requests before incurring costs. The TTF does not guarantee reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenditures.
The Committee does not meet in August. Please contact the TTF Administrator with any requests that cannot wait until September.
The Committee can review urgent requests via email between scheduled meetings. This option is reserved for extraordinary cases in which waiting would have a severe, negative impact on the outcome of the case. When submitting an urgent request to the TTF Administrator, use “URGENT” in the e-mail subject line or on the envelope of a mailed-in submission, and explain the urgency of the request in the case summary.
All TTF applications must be signed by the applicant. E-signatures are permitted.

Application and Decision Timeline:

By the first Monday of the month (or, if a holiday, the next business day):
Submit all necessary materials to the TTF Administrator. Disbursement requests may be submitted with the initial application, or after the application is approved.
On the first Tuesday of the month:
Applications and disbursement requests are sent to the TTF Committee for review.
On the second Monday of the month (or, if a holiday, another day that week):
The Committee meets to review and either approve or deny applications and disbursement requests.
Post-meeting:
The TTF Administrator sends out notifications of the Committee’s decisions to all applicants and requests checks for all approved disbursements. Checks are prepared by the Philadelphia Bar Association.
By the end of the month:
Checks are mailed out to successful applicants. Checks must be cashed within two weeks of receipt.

TTF Administrator Contact Information

Name: Leila Bagenstos
Email (preferred): tangledtitlefund@gmail.com
Phone:(267) 521-1647
Fax: (215) 564-0845
Mail: Leila Bagenstos
1500 JFK Blvd, Suite 1850
Philadelphia, PA, 19102

Tangled Title Fund Resources

About the Tangled Title Fund

TTF Disbursement Request Form

TTF Application (fillable PDF)

TTF Case Description Sample

TTF Verification of No Income Form