For Missouri homeowners grappling with mortgage payments in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, relief is within reach through the State Assistance for Housing Relief (SAFHR) program. With applications currently open, here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply for state assistance and determine eligibility.
Pre-screening Questionnaire
Before diving into the application process, prospective applicants are required to complete a brief pre-screening questionnaire on the Missouri SAFHR for Homeowners website. The questionnaire aims to assess the household's housing and financial situation since January 21, 2020, the onset of the pandemic. To qualify for assistance, households must affirmatively respond to key questions including:
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Has your household experienced a financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic since January 21, 2020?
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Are you a current resident of Missouri?
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Is the property you are seeking assistance for located in Missouri?
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Do you live on the property (primary residence) for which assistance is being requested?
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Do you have a mortgage on your home?
Create an Account
Upon successful completion of the pre-screening, applicants are prompted to create an account on the Missouri SAFHR for Homeowners website. Subsequently, applicants are required to furnish essential information encompassing identity verification, financial details, and employment particulars. Additionally, information regarding the property address and any co-applicants must be provided.
Household Details
Applicants are tasked with including all members of their household in the SAFHR application, including children. This entails furnishing their employment status, dates of birth, and relationships to the homeowner.
Loan Information
Comprehensive details pertaining to the home loan are a prerequisite for the application process. These details include the lender's name, type of mortgage, original mortgage balance, purchase date, mortgage account number, current mortgage balance, monthly mortgage payment, and current mortgage interest rate. Additionally, applicants are required to respond to a series of inquiries concerning loan status, forbearance, foreclosure notices, loan modifications, refinancing, HOA fees, and lien position.
Type of Assistance
Missouri SAFHR for Homeowners extends two forms of assistance to individuals grappling with mortgage payments post-COVID-19. Applicants have the option to apply for reinstatement of delinquent mortgages, monthly mortgage assistance, or both, contingent on eligibility criteria.
Financial Hardship Documentation
Detailed information regarding household income is imperative, encompassing the category of income, frequency, amount, and description of work for each household member. Moreover, applicants must confirm the incurring of a material reduction in income or a material increase in living expenses due to the pandemic and provide a corresponding description.
Document Compilation
To facilitate the processing of applications, Missouri SAFHR for Homeowners mandates the submission of various crucial documents. These include:
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Identity Verification: Acceptable forms include driver's license, government-issued ID, passport, military ID, corporate photo ID, or tribal photo ID.
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Property Verification: Mortgage statement, title deed, or property tax statement.
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Income Verification: W-2s, 1099 forms, IRS-accepted tax returns, paystubs, award letters, or bank statements.
By adhering to these steps and assembling the requisite documentation, Missouri homeowners can navigate the application process for state assistance seamlessly. With the SAFHR program offering a lifeline to those grappling with mortgage payments, eligible individuals are urged to take advantage of this vital support avenue.