New program could help Valley homeowners who have missed mortgage payments

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- U.S. Senator Alex Padilla is working to keep families in their homes after the state recently launched the California Mortgage Relief Program.

The program is set to provide money for those who have fallen behind on their house payments.

Padilla joined state housing leaders to encourage residents hit hard by the pandemic to apply for the new program.

"This program could help upwards of 20,000, 30,000 maybe even 40,000 homeowners in California," said Sen. Padilla.

Californians who are behind on their housing payments can apply for up $80,000 per household -- with no requirement to repay -- through the California Mortgage Relief program.

"Because unfortunately, the Central Valley is one of the areas that gets hit the hardest when it comes to downturns in the economy," Padilla said.

There is no deadline to apply but Platinum Home Mortgage Branch Manager Elias Delgado recommends seeking professional help when submitting the forms.

"If they're missing information, just like any other application, it's not going to be reviewed properly and yeah, they'll turn around and delay the process," Delgado said.

The program aims to serve people with low to moderate incomes.

In order to qualify, you must be at or below the poverty line in your county, own a single-family home and have faced pandemic-related hardship after January 1 of 2020.

Delgado believes a number of local families could benefit from this one-time payment.

"In their ability to keep up with their mortgage payments has been challenging to say the least, so if these relief programs are available through the state of California and people are able to stay in their homes, that would be the best result for everyone."

You can check your eligibility and apply on their website.

There is no deadline but you're encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible since the program runs on a first-come, first-served basis.