More Homeowners in California Now Eligible for Mortgage Cost Assistance

The California Mortgage Relief Program has expanded to provide more assistance to homeowners who have struggled to make housing payments due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program previously distributed nearly $300 million to eligible homeowners statewide and has expanded in four important ways:

1. Previously awarded homeowners who are still eligible and need more assistance can return for additional funds, with a maximum of $80,000 in total assistance.
2. Assistance is now available for homeowners with partial claim second mortgages or loan deferrals taken during or after January 2020.
3. The delinquency date for assistance with past-due mortgage and property tax payments was reset. Applicants must have missed at least two mortgage payments or at least one property tax payment prior to March 1, 2023.
4. Homeowners with a primary residence that includes up to four units on the property may now be eligible.

The California Mortgage Relief Program aims to help California’s most vulnerable homeowners overcome the financial challenges brought on by COVID-19. The program has already eased a heavy burden for thousands of families who were worried about losing their homes, and this expansion will allow even more homeowners to protect their single greatest financial asset.

The expansion includes grants to reduce or eliminate COVID-related partial claim second mortgages and loan deferrals. Eligible properties may include houses, condos, permanently affixed manufactured homes, ADUs, duplexes, triplexes, or fourplexes.

Since its launch, the program has distributed grants to more than 10,000 California homeowners to help them get caught up on their housing payments. California is disbursing its $1 billion allocation to qualified homeowners until the funds are all allocated. While there is no strict deadline for applications, homeowners in need should apply as soon as possible. Interested applicants can visit the program website at CaMortgageRelief.org to review eligibility information and apply through the online portal.

To determine eligibility, applicants will need to upload documents, including mortgage statements, bank statements, utility bills, and income documentation. The application process can be completed in under 30 minutes once applicants have gathered all the required documents and information.

Homeowners with questions can call the Contact Center at 1-888-840-2594 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. They may also visit CaMortgageRelief.org/help to learn more.