Welcome back! This blog provides financial resources and information for people living with cancer. In this post, I want to focus on resources that provide financial assistance for mortgages and rent payments for people living with cancer.
Often people living with cancer tell me that they are unable to afford their rent or mortgage payments. Loss of employment, decreased work hours, and high medical bills are the most common reasons. Some patients had difficulty with their housing payments prior to their cancer diagnosis, and now are unable to catch up. Let’s look at some resources that may be able to help.
During the coronavirus pandemic, you may qualify for help with rent. Under the CARES Act, a federal eviction ban is in place for renters hurt by job loss during the coronavirus pandemic. You can find more information at: https://www.usa.gov/disaster-help-food-housing-bills
Several government and private social service agencies have received funds from the CARES Act and can offer rent payment assistance. Check out your state and county websites for rental assistance agencies near you at Find rental assistance programs for your location | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (consumerfinance.gov)
The federal government HUD (Housing and Urban Development) can also assist with rent, and low-income programs. Programs include Section 8 housing for low income families, Section 202 vouchers for seniors, housing assistance for the disabled as well as local housing and emergency rental assistance. For more information: https://www.hud.gov/topics/rental_assistance
It has been my experience that the application for HUD assistance requires time and follow up. If you are having trouble paying your rent, do not wait to apply for assistance.
If you are having trouble paying your mortgage, under the CARES Act, your lender (mortgage company) may not be able to foreclose on you. If you experience financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic, you have a right to request and obtain a forbearance for up to 180 days. This will suspend or reduce your payments until you are financially stable. You also have the right to request and obtain an extension for up to another 180 days (for a total of up to 360 days). You must contact your mortgage company to request this forbearance. For more information go to: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/mortgage-and-housing-assistance/mortgage-relief/
Many charities offer housing assistance, but typically for a short term (rent payment for 1-2 months). These include:
Catholic Charities: https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/find-help/
United Way: https://www.unitedway.org/my-smart-money/pages/community-resources-to-help-with-housing
St. Vincent De Paul: https://www.svdpusa.org/assistance-services
These charities may also have funding to pay utility bills and overdue rent payments. Available funding is dependent on donations, so check back with these agencies often if they originally do not have funding to assist you. This is especially true for grants for housing assistance specific for cancer patients.
Housing assistance programs require time to process applications and find funds to help. Apply for help early. Most counties have emergency housing resources, but many rely on less than desirable accommodations for only a brief period. Emergency housing is not a good long term solution for people living with cancer.
I hope this information is helpful. If you would like to continue this conversation, please click on the Subscribe button at the top of the Blog page. I would love to hear your comments as well as resources that have worked for you. Please share this information with your family and friends.
Keeping you in my prayers,
Jackie
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