Single women homeowners are entitled to assistance through federal or private programs. Most programs are offered regardless of income. In most cases, you must have recently experienced a hardship affecting your income. In addition to receiving help with your mortgage, you may also qualify for help with other bills, such as your utilities or other household necessities.
Making Home Affordable
The Making Home Affordable program provides a variety of assistance programs for your unique circumstances. To qualify for any of the individual programs under Making Home Affordable, you must have endured a hardship resulting in a loss of income. A hardship can include a job loss, divorce or illness. All sources of income, including child support payments, are considered countable sources of income. If you are less than 30 days behind on the home, you may be able to qualify for Home Affordable Refinance Program. If you are newly divorced or separated, refinancing can also allow you to remove your former spouse from the mortgage. Keep in mind that he will also need to be taken off your deed. Delinquent homeowners can apply for a loan modification to reduce the monthly payment. When you can no longer afford your payments, even after a modification, the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives program grants up to $3,000 towards relocation expenses.
Emergency Homeowners' Loan Program
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) established the Emergency Homeowners' Loan Program to help homeowners in danger of losing their home to foreclosure. If you are a single woman who is unemployed through no fault of your own, the program covers your mortgage payment for 24 months. If you have fallen behind on your payments, a $50,000 loan can be applied towards the balance to bring you current. Once you're current on the loan, you may qualify to lower your payment permanently by refinancing or modifying the loan.
Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program
The Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program is offered in all states across the country. Each county administers the program through local LIHEAP agencies. To qualify for assistance with your electric or gas utility bills, you must fall within the income guidelines. Generally, your income cannot exceed 60 percent of the state median income level. Homes with disabled individuals or children under six years of age are generally given priority when funds are limited. If your services are disconnected, you can request emergency help through the program. Single women can also utilize the Weatherization Assistance Program. Often used in conjunction with LIHEAP, weatherization assistance is provided to reduce your overall energy consumption costs of a regular basis. The program covers repairs and upgrades. For instance, your insulation, windows and air conditioning unit may be replaced.
Private Assistance
If you are ineligible for assistance from state or federal programs, you can contact a charitable organization or local church for financial help. Some organizations offer cash grants to help with food, clothing and housing expenses. The Women's Resource Center can direct you to other organizations and assistance programs in your vicinity. Some offer counseling and job training if you need help getting back on your feet. You can also contact your county's nonprofit Community Action Agency (CAA) to inquire about assistance programs. CAA runs both federal and private programs. If your state is one of the hardest hit in the foreclosure crisis, you may be eligible for help through the Hardest Hit Fund.
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