Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund Opened

The Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) was established by Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) to assist homeowners who have fallen behind on monthly mortgage payments and/or related housing bills as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

For more information on getting a grant and also learning about refinance programs, take a look at this.

“Housing stability is a crucial part of our economic recovery, and I’m pleased to announce that Illinois residents can now apply for $30,000 in mortgage support,” said Pritzker. “Illinois was the fastest state in the nation to respond to the housing crisis of 2020, and with the need still high, we’re delivering another $309 million to struggling mortgage owners this spring. A good life, a good job, the ability to focus in a classroom — it all starts with a roof over your head. And that’s what every Illinoisan deserves.”

IHDA administers the ILHAF, which is intended to help homeowners who are experiencing mortgage arrears, default, or foreclosure. To be eligible, Illinois homeowners must have suffered financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic on or after Jan. 21, 2020, such as lost income or increased expenses. They must also own and occupy their primary residence in Illinois, be at least 30 days behind on their mortgage or other homeowner expenses, and have a family income of less than 150 percent of the Area Median Income. The provision of assistance will prioritize homeowners in neighborhoods that have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic’s health and economic repercussions.

IHDA has worked with over 35 non-profit housing counseling agencies, community-based organizations, and legal aid organizations across Illinois to assist homeowners who are facing technology and/or linguistic difficulties, or who are currently in the foreclosure process. This free technical assistance is accessible in over 37 languages, including American Sign Language.

Beginning January 1, 2022, homeowners must have met with a HUD-certified housing counselor or spoken with their mortgage servicer about their mitigation options. An ILHAF application must include a certificate from a HUD-certified housing counselor or a letter from a mortgage servicer indicating efforts to remedy the arrears.

For more information on getting a grant and also learning about refinance programs, take a look at this.

More information on the application process, including videos on how to apply, a complete list of required documents, and a list of participating housing counselors, can be found at Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund’s official site.