DOVER — The Delaware State Housing Authority has announced the launch of the Delaware Mortgage Relief Program, designed to assist eligible households who experienced a COVID-19-related financial hardship that resulted in mortgage delinquency or forbearance.
Homeowners can apply at demortgagehelp.com.

The mortgage relief program provides up to $40,000 to cover the following delinquencies: mortgage, property tax, chattel loan, land lease, water and sewer utilities, homeowner or condominium association fees, and homeowner insurance.

Eligible homeowners must meet the following requirements:

• Delaware resident who owns and occupies their home in Delaware as their primary residence

• Income at or below 150% AMI or 100% of the Median Income for the United States, whichever is greater

• Financial hardship after Jan. 21, 2020, such as reduced income or increased expenses

• Delinquent by at least 30 days, including any payments during a forbearance period.

“Our agency understands the importance of housing stability for Delaware families,” said Eugene Young Jr., DSHA director. “With many still facing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are committed to keeping them in their homes and out of foreclosure.

“This program will target individuals and families in need and those who are socially disadvantaged.”

“We know many Delawareans have faced difficult situations and have struggled with the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Gov. John Carney. “We are committed to supporting our neighbors by providing real relief for Delawareans and Delaware families and helping them stay in their homes.”

The Delaware Mortgage Relief Program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act and Homeowner Assistance Fund, which the U.S. Treasury Department distributed to the state of Delaware. The $50 million received is being administered by DSHA and will be available until 2025 or until funds are exhausted.

“When we were writing the American Rescue Plan Act, we wanted to find ways to help Delaware families stay afloat during the pandemic,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, D-Delaware. “This is just the kind of program we had in mind for states to implement so we can deliver relief directly to the Delawareans affected most by the pandemic.”

U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Delaware, said, “Today’s program announcement is an important step in helping Delawareans and their families deal with the financial hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Thanks to federal funding provided by the American Rescue Plan, which Sen. Tom Carper, Sen. Chris Coons and I voted for, eligible Delaware homeowners will be able to access this resource through the Delaware State Housing Authority to help them stay in their homes.”

According to U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Delaware, “This program will provide a needed lifeline for thousands of working Delawareans who are homeowners, with additional assistance to help ensure they can stabilize their mortgage and remain in their homes.

“Many men and women who worked in sectors like hospitality and education when the pandemic began, or those who became caregivers for a child or elderly relative, dealt with personal financial challenges brought on by the COVID 19 pandemic.

“I know how important it is to help bring stability to middle-class Delaware homeowners while also continuing to support renters and landlords with similar programs. I’m glad to see this relief program take effect and start helping working families across Delaware.”

For questions about the Delaware Mortgage Relief Program, call 888-303-4324 or visit demortgagehelp.com.