Govenment programs can provide mortgage and utility assistance for SSI recipients.
The majority of mortgage and energy assistance programs do not offer help specifically for people who receive Supplemental Security Income benefits. However, SSI recipients may automatically qualify for certain assistance programs due to their SSI eligibility. If you need mortgage help, you may qualify for foreclosure-prevention programs offered by the federal government. Programs administered by governments, utility companies, and nonprofit organizations may also offer short- or long-term assistance to help pay your energy bills.
Emergency Homeowners' Loan Program
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers the Emergency Homeowners' Loan Program in 32 states and Puerto Rico. The EHLP offers no-interest loans to help you repay delinquent mortgage payments and may provide ongoing financial assistance to help with mortgage payments for a maximum of two years. To qualify for the EHLP, you must have lost income due to a medical condition, underemployment or unemployment, and be delinquent on your mortgage payments by three or more months. You must also meet income limits and have the ability to resume regular mortgage payments after assistance ends. The EHLP offers loans on single-family residences and caps assistance at $50,000, as of June 2011.
Making Home Affordable
HUD, in partnership with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, offers foreclosure assistance to homeowners throughout the country through the Making Home Affordable program. If you qualify for MHA's Home Affordable Modification Program, you can reduce your mortgage payments to 31 percent of your income, according to MHA. The HAMP uses a three-step loan-modification approach, which includes interest rate reductions, loan term extensions and deferment of principal payments. The Second Lien Modification Program can help you reduce payments for a second mortgage by reducing your interest rate, deferring principal payments or extending your loan term up to 40 years.
LIHEAP
If you face financial hardship paying your utility bill, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program may provide the help you need. HHS offers LIHEAP funding to states, tribal organizations and territories that provide assistance to low-income, elderly and disabled citizens. Each grantee designs its own energy-assistance program, which may include utility bill payment assistance or free energy-efficiency home repairs. If you receive SSI benefits, you may qualify for automatic or expedited eligibility for LIHEAP assistance.
Utility Companies
Utility providers across the U.S. offer energy assistance programs for customers struggling to pay their energy bills. Pacific Gas and Electric Co., for instance, offers monthly discounts to qualified customers through the Care program. PGE extends eligibility to customers who receive public benefits, such as SSI, Medicaid and food stamps. You must recertify for the program every two to four years to continue receiving benefits.
Nonprofit Organizations
Certain nonprofit organizations offer utility assistance, mortgage assistance or both for households facing financial emergencies. The Salvation Army, for example, provides temporary assistance to help households pay their utility bills in times of hardship. Catholic Charities USA offers assistance with basic needs, which can include mortgage and utility bill payment assistance. Established in 1910, Catholic Charities offers assistance through local chapters throughout the United States.
Tags: mortgage payments, assistance help, assistance programs, Home Affordable, utility bill
