Illinois homeowners grappling with the financial repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic have until October 31 to seize an opportunity that could safeguard their homes. The Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF), a federally funded initiative, was initiated in April 2022 and has since disbursed more than $246 million to almost 14,000 homeowners teetering on the brink of default, foreclosure, or displacement due to pandemic-induced financial hardships.
Through ILHAF, eligible homeowners can access grants of up to $60,000, covering past-due mortgage payments, property taxes, property insurance, and homeowner or condo association fees. The average grant awarded stands at $17,988 per household, with a noteworthy 69 percent of funds directed towards socially disadvantaged areas in Illinois.
To qualify for assistance, Illinois homeowners must meet specific criteria, including having a household income below 150% of the Area Median Income, owning and residing in the property as their primary residence, falling behind on mortgage, tax, or association payments, and experiencing COVID-19-related financial hardship that began, persisted, or worsened after January 21, 2020.
Eligible residents can apply online at https://www.illinoishousinghelp.org/.