Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund offering grants for those behind on homeowner expenses

SPRINGFIELD – Homeowners struggling to keep up with housing payments may now apply for up to $60,000 in assistance, doubling the assistance previously available. The Illinois Housing Development Authority announced the Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund is now open to support qualified homeowners who need help with past-due mortgage payments and related expenses due to financial hardships associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible households may apply for grants for past-due mortgage payments, property tax, property insurance and homeowner and/or condo association fees.
ILHAF assistance is designed to help homeowners avoid mortgage default and foreclosure after experiencing a financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Payments will be made directly to the mortgage servicer, taxing body or other eligible entity once a homeowner’s application has been approved.
To qualify for ILHAF, Illinois homeowners must meet the following criteria:
Be at least 30 days late on one or more of mortgage loan, property tax, property insurance and/or HOA/condo association fee payments.
Have a household income at or below 150% Area Median Income.
Own and occupy a home in Illinois as a primary residence.
Experienced a financial hardship after Jan. 21, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic (including a hardship that began before Jan. 21, 2020 but continued after that date).
Proof of citizenship is not required to apply and receiving ILHAF assistance will not make you a public charge or affect immigration status.
Homeowners in need of assistance should visit www.illinoishousinghelp.org for information on eligibility and to initiate the application process. In addition, IHDA has partnered with housing counseling agencies and community-based organizations across the state to assist households with assembling the required documents and completing their applications. This assistance is free and available in more than 37 languages, including American Sign Language. A list of these agencies offering assistance can be found online at www.illinoishousinghelp.org or by calling 866-454-3571.