Adjusted Federal Median Income Threshold Benefits California Homeowners, Offering COVID-19 Relief Grants of up to $80,000
The California Mortgage Relief Program is actively encouraging homeowners in California who are facing difficulties with housing payments to visit www.CaMortgageRelief.org. This initiative comes in response to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) recent update to the Area Median Income (AMI) levels, resulting in expanded eligibility for a grant of up to $80,000. These grants aim to provide crucial relief from the financial hardships caused by the ongoing pandemic.
HUD annually reviews income limits for various housing programs, including the Homeowner Assistance Fund that supports the California Mortgage Relief Program. These income limits are calculated as percentages of the median family income and vary based on the county of residence and the number of individuals in the household.
Rebecca Franklin, President of the CalHFA Homeowner Relief Corporation, expressed the significance of this update, stating, “With this update from the federal government, more homeowners will now be eligible for a free grant of up to $80,000 from the California Mortgage Relief Program. We urge all homeowners to review their eligibility and consider applying to join the many thousands who have already taken advantage of the program to stay in their homes.”
Franklin emphasized that many homeowners continue to struggle with the financial impact of the pandemic and that this adjustment to income levels could potentially enable more families to not only retain their homes but also protect their most significant financial asset and build generational wealth.
The California Mortgage Relief Program has set the maximum AMI at 150%, with this level increasing in nearly all counties across California compared to the previous year. To be eligible, the combined income of all residents aged 18 and over in the household must not exceed 150% of the AMI.
California homeowners interested in the program are encouraged to use the online calculator provided to determine their eligibility. Those who were previously denied due to their income level are advised to reapply if their income now meets the adjusted 2023 levels.
To request an interview with a representative from the California Mortgage Relief Program regarding this update, please contact [email protected]. Help in spreading this important information within the community is greatly appreciated.
In February, the program expanded its eligibility criteria to provide up to $80,000 in assistance to homeowners who have experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants, which do not require repayment, can be utilized for various housing expenses, including:
- Catching up on late mortgage payments (applicants must have missed at least two payments as of March 1, 2023).
- Covering missed property tax payments (applicants must have missed at least one payment as of March 1, 2023).
- Paying off a partial claim or loan deferral that was initiated during or after January 2020 (these deferrals involve moving missed mortgage payments to the end of the mortgage term).
- Assisting reverse mortgage holders who are behind on payments for property taxes or homeowners’ insurance.
Detailed terms and conditions for California’s program, as approved by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, can be found on their official website.
Applying for assistance through the California Mortgage Relief Program is a fast and straightforward process. Homeowners can complete the application online or via a mobile device by visiting CaMortgageRelief.org. The application typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete, provided all required documents and information, such as mortgage statements, bank statements, utility bills, and income documentation (e.g., pay stubs, tax returns, or unemployment documents), are readily available.
Homeowners in need of assistance can contact the Contact Center at 1-888-840-2594 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Additionally, they can visit CaMortgageRelief.org/help to access further information and resources available to them.
About the California Mortgage Relief Program:
The CalHFA Homeowner Relief Corporation (CalHRC) operates as a specialized affiliate of the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA). CalHFA is a state agency that supports low- to moderate-income individuals in California by serving as the state’s affordable housing lender. Through CalHRC, the agency administers The American Rescue Plan Act’s Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) on behalf of the State of California, leveraging its extensive expertise in mortgage assistance and homeownership initiatives.
Contacts: For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
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