Program helps owners with past-due property taxes, mortgage payments

Certain Hidalgo County homeowners may soon be eligible for up to $25,000 in past due property taxes and $40,000 in past due mortgage payments under a pilot program targeting people who experienced financial hardships because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Texas Homeowner Assistance Fund Program on Monday, January 10, 2022, began accepting applications for help, Jaime Longoria, Hidalgo County Community Service Agency Executive Director, reported on Friday, January 7, 2022.

Applications are being accepted at www.texashomeownerassistance. com.

A call center will also be available at (833) 651-3874.

The program is being piloted in Hidalgo County with the aim of eventually being available in other parts of the state. Money from the American Rescue Plan will be used to provide the help so long as the applicant meets certain criteria.

This includes homeowners with a household income of $79,900 or less and have fallen behind on one or more of the following expenses: property taxes, property insurance, HOA/condo fees, and mortgage payments.

The homeowner must have also experienced a Qualified Financial Hardship after January 21, 2021.

“We recognize the financial challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to our community,” Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortéz said. “That’s why we are delighted to pilot this program targeting our residents who were affected by the pandemic.”

David A. Díaz’s email is Legislativemedia@aol.com