California Mortgage Relief expands eligibility

Published on June 20, 2022

The California Mortgage Relief Program has significantly expanded eligibility requirements to offer funding to a greater number of California homeowners who have fallen behind on housing payments due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible households can qualify for up to $80,000 in relief for their past due housing-related bills. 

The program has modified the past-due requirement to include homeowners who missed payments in the first half of 2022, expanded the income eligibility and will now cover past-due property taxes for more homeowners. 

The California Mortgage Relief Program uses federal Homeowner Assistance Funds to help homeowners get caught up on their housing payments. The program is absolutely free and the funds do not need to be repaid. The California Mortgage Relief Program is part of the state’s Housing is Key initiative.

Eligible applicants must be at or below 150% of their county’s area median income, own a single-family home, condo or permanently affixed manufactured home and have faced a pandemic-related financial hardship. Visit the California Mortgage Relief Program eligibility website for complete requirements.

The payments will be made directly to the homeowner's mortgage provider. Homeowners will not need to repay the state for funds received. The State has set aside $1 billion for this program through the American Rescue Plan that was passed in March 2021. 

For homeowners who do not have access to a computer or internet, you can contact your mortgage provider or call a HUD-certified housing counselor at 1-800-569-4287.