CHICAGO – The Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund application recently opened, and State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is encouraging homeowners who have been impacted by COVID-19 pandemic to apply.

“A lot of people have fallen behind on their mortgage payments due to COVID-19 and could benefit greatly from this program,” Hunter said. “This program ensures homeowners much-needed relief and can help them avoid debt and even foreclosure.”

The ILHAF provides up to $30,000 for homeowners who have outstanding housing payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This free assistance fund will provide $309 million in total to cover a multitude of housing costs including past-due mortgage payments, property taxes, property insurance, and delinquent homeowner or condo association fees.

To qualify, homeowners must have experienced a financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on or after Jan. 21, 2020. They must also currently own and occupy their Illinois home as their primary residence, be at least 30 days behind on housing expenses, and have a household income at or below 150% of the Area Median Income.

Homeowners in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the health and economic effects of the pandemic will be prioritized in the distribution of assistance. More than 5,000 homeowners seeking assistance have already applied.

“For anyone struggling to pay their bills, help is available,” Hunter said. “There is still financial aid left for thousands of Illinoisans, so I encourage all who are eligible to apply.”

To assist homeowners facing language or technological barriers, free assistance is available. A list of agencies offering assistance can be found at www.illinoishousinghelp.org or by calling 866-454-3571.

Homeowners can find more information on program eligibility and begin an application at www.illinoishousinghelp.org. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31, 2022.