State and territorial governments have launched programs to help residents with their mortgages.
At least four state governments launched their Homeowner Assistance Funds last week. These programs will provide eligible homeowners in their states with tens of thousands of dollars to help them cover several costs they might have incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The programs are part of a larger effort by the Treasury Department to help homeowners suffering financial hardship after the COVID-19 pandemic. “The law prioritizes funds for homeowners who have experienced the greatest hardships, leveraging local and national income indicators to maximize the impact,” according to Treasury’s website.
URBAN EXODUS THAT BEGAN DURING PANDEMIC SHOWS NO SIGN OF SLOWING
More than 40 states and territories have launched programs to provide assistance to homeowners, including the District of Columbia. Here are the latest states and jurisdictions to establish HAF programs.
District of Columbia
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the district’s homeowner program on Tuesday to provide financial assistance to those who own homes and need assistance in Washington. Residents who own homes in the district, have fallen behind on certain program expenses, and make less than 100% of Washington’s median family income (or earn less than $142,300 for a family of four) are considered eligible. These residents can visit haf.dc.gov to apply for assistance with covering the following: mortgage payments, housing association fees, and charges, property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, utility payments, or internet/broadband payments.
Households that identify as “Socially Disadvantaged” or “individuals [who] belong to a group whose ability to purchase or own a home has been impaired due to diminished access to credit on reasonable terms as compared to others in comparable economic circumstances” are also eligible for mortgage reinstatement assistance with annual income up to 150% of the median family income.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Delaware
Delaware’s State Housing Authority announced on June 13 that the Treasury Department approved the Delaware Mortgage Relief Program. The program will provide up to $40,000 in financial assistance to eligible households. To be considered eligible, residents must own a home in Delaware, must make an income at or below 150% of the local area median income, must have experienced financial hardship since Jan. 21, 2020, and must have been behind on select house costs by at least 30 days, including any potential payments during a forbearance period. Residents can apply for assistance at demortagehelp.com.
The assistance can be used to cover one of the following costs: mortgage, property tax, chattel loan, land lease, water and sewer utilities, homeowner or condominium association fees, and homeowner insurance.
