A new state program that launches this month may provide some relief to California homeowners whose homes were devastated in a recent natural disaster, such as the January 2024 floods in San Diego.
According to a news release from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the CalAssist Mortgage Fund, which is administered by the California Housing Finance Agency, is awarding $105 million in grants to some qualified homeowners to cover up to three months’ worth of mortgage payments, or a maximum of $20,000.
“Homeowners whose home was destroyed in a recent fire, flood or other disaster deserve support in their recovery,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom stated. “We know that recovery takes time, and the state is here to support.”
The program’s website states that these monies would not need to be repaid and would instead go straight to the mortgage servicer of the successful applicant.
On June 12, the program will begin accepting online applications. The application process is free.
Who can apply for the CalAssist Mortgage Fund?
Homeowners should ensure they satisfy the eligibility standards and have their documentation ready to go, as the CalAssist Mortgage Fund website states that applications will be considered in the order they are received.
A disaster must have damaged or rendered uninhabitable a homeowner’s principal dwelling between January 1, 2023, and January 8, 2025, in order to qualify.
Additionally, they have to fulfill the county-specific household income level set by the CalAssist Mortgage Fund, which takes into account the aggregate income of all the people listed on the mortgage and deed of trust. San Diego County was noted as having a $172,650 program limit.
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They also need to own a single-family house, a condominium, or a permanently fastened mobile home with up to four units, and they need to have a mortgage or reverse mortgage.
The money is going to mortgage servicers, not homeowners, so applicants should make sure their servicers are participating.
Homeowners should prepare the following documents, according to the program’s website: proof of income, utility bills, bank statements, mortgage statements, and homeowner insurance or FEMA claims.
800-501-0019 is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for anyone in need of assistance.
