Does the HOA annual fees taken out of escrow or do you pay it directly?

I paid cash for my home so I never had an escrow. My niece bought her first place about 6 months ago and she got an hoa bill in the mail.

She was expecting it to be part of her escrow but she is a newbie to home ownership. 

We only had insurance taken out of Escrow. HOA fees were always mailed to us and we paid them by mail, or in person.(or online?) Our home is paid off now so we continue to get bills to be paid separately. 

Thanks. I thought that might be the case. I have a feeling I'll be loaning her the money,lol. 

The HOA bill and trail fees are paid directly.