California Fire Survivors Can Get Up to $100,000 in Mortgage Relief

California homeowners whose primary homes were destroyed or left uninhabitable by qualifying disasters may now get major mortgage help through the CalAssist Mortgage Fund. The program was expanded to provide up to 12 months of mortgage payments, with a maximum grant of $100,000.

This is a grant, not a loan. Eligible homeowners do not have to pay it back.

What changed in 2026

The program launched with smaller limits, then expanded in February 2026:

• Assistance window increased to 12 months
• Maximum award increased to $100,000
• Income limits were expanded to include more households

Officials are urging eligible homeowners, including many in Altadena and nearby fire-impacted areas, to apply while funding remains available.

Who may qualify

You may be eligible if your primary residence was destroyed or made uninhabitable by a qualifying California disaster that received a State of Emergency or Major Disaster Declaration within the program period.

Eligible property types include:

• Single-family homes
• Condominiums
• Permanently affixed manufactured homes (up to four units)

Homeowners who are current, in forbearance, or behind on mortgage payments may still be able to apply.

How the money is paid

Funds are sent directly to your mortgage servicer. You do not receive a direct cash payout. This is meant to protect your housing stability while you recover and rebuild.

If you previously received the original three-month version of CalAssist, you may be able to return and request additional months up to the new annual cap.

How to apply now

Apply through the official CalAssist Mortgage Fund portal and prepare your disaster and mortgage documentation up front.

• Program information: CalHFA
• Fund site: CalAssist Mortgage Fund

Because this program is first-come, first-served, waiting can reduce your chance of approval. If your home was impacted and you are carrying mortgage pressure, start the application now.