The latest COVID relief package signed into law by President Joe Biden sets aside billions for homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments and other bills related to owning a home.
Over 10 million Americans are currently behind on their mortgages and feeling “housing insecurity,” according to census data. If you’re in that group and have been piling up debt, how do you claim some of the money?
It’s likely to take many months for the funds to get into the hands of those who need it largely because of the way it’s being disbursed, experts warn.
How to qualify for the relief
The recent $1.9 trillion pandemic rescue package that’s now paying out stimulus checks of up to $1,400 includes nearly $10 billion of direct financial assistance to help homeowners pay not only their mortgages but also taxes, utilities, insurance and homeowners association dues.
The money, formally called the Homeowners Assistance Fund, will be distributed to states based on a formula that takes into account unemployed residents as well as late mortgage payments and foreclosures, says the National Council of State Housing Agencies.
You’re eligible for relief if you own your home and have a loan with a principal balance at or below the conforming loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored mortgage giants that buy or guarantee most U.S. home loans. The 2021 loan limit in most parts of the U.S. is $548,250.
The money will be funneled to cash-strapped borrowers through state housing agencies. At least 60% of the state grants must go to homeowners with incomes that don’t exceed either the local median income or the national median income, whichever is higher.
Getting the money may take time
Russell Graves, executive director of the National Foundation for Debt Management, a multistate housing counseling agency, says he doesn’t expect the funds to be made available until early 2022.
“There are so many other things going through these agencies: rental assistance, different kinds of pandemic assistance,” Graves says. “Frankly, we have never put so much money toward housing in history. The numbers are staggering.”
Homeowners need help. The latest U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey shows 7.4% of adults — an estimated 10.1 million people — are not current on their rent or mortgage payments and have “slight or no confidence” they’ll be able to pay next month’s rent or mortgage on time.
During the wait, forbearance will be key
Graves recommends that homeowners in need call their lenders or servicers — the companies that manage loans and send out statements — to discuss options, including beginning or extending forbearance.
Forbearance allows you to postpone your mortgage payments without getting slammed with…
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