Relief for California Homeowners Recovering from Disasters
Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the new CalAssist Mortgage Fund, which will provide $105 million in grants to eligible homeowners whose homes were destroyed or left uninhabitable as the result of a fire, flood or other declared disaster between January 2023 and January 2025. Applications will open June 12.
Help for Disaster Survivors
- Eligible homeowners can receive 3 months of mortgage payments, up to $20,000.
- Grants do not have to be repaid.
- Applying to the program is free.
- Approved grants will be sent directly the mortgage servicer.
- Funds will be awarded for as long as they are available.
- Applications will be reviewed in the order they are submitted.
Eligibility Overview
- Applicant’s primary residence was destroyed or left uninhabitable due to a qualified disaster from 01/01/2023 through 01/08/2025.
- Applicant meets program income limits.
- Applicant has a mortgage or reverse mortgage.
- Applicant owns a single-family home, condo or permanently affixed manufactured home (may include up to 4 units).
* More on eligibility here.
Get Prepared to Apply
Beginning June 12, homeowners can access the online application and program information at CalAssistMortgageFund.org. Interested applicants are encouraged to take the following steps to prepare to submit an application:
- Review the list of qualified disasters for this programto ensure you qualify.
- Confirm the program’s income limits, which vary by county.
- Check to see if your mortgage servicer is participating.
- Gather the paperwork required for the application:
- Mortgage statements
- Bank statements
- Utility bill
- Homeowner insurance or FEMA claim
- Proof of income
Applicant Support
For in-depth, one-on-one assistance with preparing and completing their application, homeowners can call 1-800-501-0019 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Additionally, they can access free support and services from HUD-certified housing counseling agencies.
Help Spread the Word
The CalAssist Mortgage Fund needs your help. If your organization works closely with vulnerable Californians who have lost a home in a recent disaster, please partner with us to spread the word about the program.
A suite of outreach materials is available for download on our website. Materials include:
- Outreach toolkits
- Website buttons
- Flyers
- Social media posts
The CalAssist Mortgage Fund marketing team is available to present webinars for homeowners within your community. To request a webinar, email info@CalAssistMortgageFund.org.
The CalAssist Mortgage Fund, which is administered by the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), was created following Governor Gavin Newsom’s February proposal. CalHFA is also extending an additional $25 million in housing counseling support through its NMS Housing Counseling program, to complement the mortgage relief.
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