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For homeowners seeking an Ohio mortgage relief program, understanding the current landscape of available assistance is the first step toward financial stability. The state's primary initiative, the Save the Dream Ohio program, was created to help those impacted by economic hardship.
It is essential to know that as of October 31, 2023, the Mortgage Assistance component of this program is no longer accepting new applications. While this direct mortgage aid has concluded, significant help remains available. The program's Utility Assistance Plus (UAP) component is still active, offering financial support for utility bills, property taxes, and other housing costs. A robust network of free, professional resources, including U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved housing counselors, also provides a clear path forward.
The Save the Dream Ohio program was established with a $280 million allocation from the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF), part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Administered by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA), the initiative was designed with two distinct components to address different aspects of housing insecurity.
Mortgage Assistance Component: Applications Are Closed
The Mortgage Assistance component was designed to provide substantial relief by making payments directly to mortgage servicers on behalf of eligible Ohioans. This aid could be used to bring a delinquent first mortgage current and cover up to six months of future payments, with a maximum of $25,000 per household.
To qualify, homeowners needed to demonstrate a COVID-19-related financial hardship and meet specific income thresholds. The program was a critical lifeline for over 18,000 Ohio homeowners. However, due to overwhelming demand, OHFA officially closed the application portal on October 31, 2023. No new applications for direct mortgage payment assistance are being accepted through this program.
Utility Assistance Plus (UAP) Program: Help Is Still Available
While mortgage-specific aid has ended, the Utility Assistance Plus (UAP) program remains an active and vital resource for eligible homeowners. This program focuses on alleviating the burden of other essential housing-related costs that can contribute to financial instability and the risk of foreclosure.
What is the Utility Assistance Plus Program?
The UAP program is administered on behalf of OHFA by a statewide network of local non-profit organizations, primarily Community Action Agencies. Homeowners apply through the designated agency serving their county, not directly to OHFA. This local approach ensures residents connect with partners in their communities who are familiar with local needs and resources.
What Types of Assistance Can You Receive?
The UAP program provides up to $10,000 in total assistance per qualifying household. Payments are made directly to the service providers, not the homeowner.
Covered expenses include:
Who is Eligible for UAP?
To qualify for the UAP program, you must meet the following requirements:
The income limits are adjusted for household size. The following table outlines the maximum annual household income to qualify:
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $103,350 |
| 2 Persons | $118,100 |
| 3 Persons | $132,850 |
| 4 Persons | $147,600 |
| 5 Persons | $159,450 |
| 6 Persons | $171,250 |
| 7 Persons | $183,050 |
| 8 Persons | $194,850 |
How to Apply for the UAP Program
The application process for UAP is handled at the local level.
With the state's direct mortgage relief program closed, the single most important action a homeowner facing payment difficulties can take is to contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. These services are provided by certified professionals at no cost to the homeowner and are designed to provide expert, unbiased guidance.
Why a HUD-Approved Housing Counselor is Your Best Resource
HUD-approved housing counselors are federally certified professionals who are required to act in your best interest. They work for non-profit agencies, not lenders, and their services are funded by government and private grants, which is why they are always free. This is a crucial distinction from for-profit "foreclosure rescue" companies that often charge high fees for services that are available for free.
You do not need to be behind on your payments to seek help. If you are worried about your future ability to pay, a counselor can help you prepare and explore options before you become delinquent.
How a Housing Counselor Can Help You
A certified housing counselor is a financial guide and an expert advocate. They are trained to:
How to Find a HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency in Ohio
Finding a certified and reputable housing counselor is straightforward using official government resources.
Beyond seeking professional counseling, there are established strategies that can help homeowners resolve mortgage delinquency. These options, known as loss mitigation, are programs offered by mortgage servicers to help borrowers through financial hardship.
The First Rule: Communicate with Your Mortgage Servicer
The moment you anticipate having trouble making a mortgage payment, contact your lender or mortgage servicer. Lenders are generally motivated to avoid foreclosure, as it is a costly process. Early and honest communication opens the door to potential solutions.
When you call, ask to speak with the "Loss Mitigation Department". This is the specialized team responsible for working with borrowers to find alternatives to foreclosure. Be prepared to explain your financial situation and have recent income documents available.
Understanding Your Loss Mitigation Options
A housing counselor can help you determine which loss mitigation option is best suited for your circumstances. The most common options are detailed below.
| Option | Brief Description | Best For… |
|---|---|---|
| Forbearance | A temporary pause or reduction of your monthly mortgage payments for a specific period (typically 3-12 months). The missed payments are not forgiven and must be repaid later. | Homeowners facing a temporary financial setback, such as a short-term job loss, unexpected medical bills, or a natural disaster, who expect their income to recover. |
| Repayment Plan | An agreement to catch up on delinquent payments by adding a portion of the past-due amount to your regular monthly payments over a set period (e.g., 6-12 months). | Homeowners who have resolved their temporary hardship and can now afford their regular payment plus an additional amount to get current. |
| Loan Modification | A permanent change to one or more terms of your original loan, such as lowering the interest rate or extending the repayment term, to create a new, more affordable monthly payment. | Homeowners who have experienced a permanent or long-term change in their financial situation (e.g., permanent disability, career change) and can no longer afford the original payment. |
| Short Sale | An agreement with your lender to sell your home for less than the total amount you owe on the mortgage. The lender accepts the sale proceeds as settlement of the debt. | Homeowners whose property value has dropped significantly and who cannot afford the mortgage, providing a way to avoid foreclosure on their credit record. |
| Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure | Voluntarily transferring the title and ownership of your property back to the lender in exchange for being released from your mortgage obligation. | A last-resort option when you cannot sell the home and want to avoid the lengthy and public foreclosure process. |
Critical Warning: Avoid Foreclosure Rescue Scams
Homeowners in financial distress are often targeted by fraudulent companies. It is imperative to remember that legitimate foreclosure assistance is always free. The Ohio Attorney General's office warns consumers to be wary of any company that engages in these deceptive practices.
Be on alert for these common red flags of a foreclosure rescue scam:
If you encounter a company you believe is a scam, you can report it to the Ohio Attorney General's Help Center at 800-282-0515.
Several official state and federal organizations serve as a safe harbor of reliable information and support for Ohioans.
No, the Ohio Mortgage Relief Program, officially known as "Save the Dream Ohio," is no longer accepting new applications. The program, funded by the federal Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF), has closed its portal to new applicants as of mid-2024 after successfully distributing its allocated funds to eligible homeowners.
The program offered financial aid to prevent mortgage delinquency, default, and foreclosure. This assistance included reinstatement of past-due mortgage payments and help with other housing-related expenses such as property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and utility bills for eligible Ohio households who experienced a pandemic-related financial hardship.
Eligibility for the Save the Dream Ohio program was primarily based on experiencing a financial hardship after January 21, 2020. Applicants also had to meet specific income requirements (at or below 150% of the Area Median Income) and own and occupy the property as their primary residence.
The financial assistance provided through the Save the Dream Ohio program was a grant, not a loan. Homeowners who were approved for aid did not have to repay the funds, provided they adhered to the program's terms, offering direct financial relief without creating future debt for struggling families.
Yes, the program specifically covered delinquent property taxes to prevent tax foreclosure. Homeowners could apply for assistance to pay past-due property taxes, homeowner’s association (HOA) fees, and other housing costs. This comprehensive support was a key feature of the Ohio Homeowner Assistance Fund to ensure housing stability.
The amount of assistance varied based on the homeowner's specific needs and extent of their delinquency. The Save the Dream Ohio program was designed to provide the necessary funds to bring accounts current, with aid amounts often tailored to individual circumstances within the program's guidelines.
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) was responsible for administering the state's Homeowner Assistance Fund program, branded as Save the Dream Ohio. OHFA managed the application process, determined eligibility, and disbursed the federal funds directly to mortgage servicers, utility companies, and county treasurers on behalf of homeowners.
With the Ohio mortgage relief program now closed, homeowners facing hardship should immediately contact their mortgage servicer to discuss loss mitigation options like forbearance or loan modification. Additionally, seeking guidance from a HUD-approved housing counseling agency in Ohio can provide free, expert advice on foreclosure prevention.
Applicants were required to provide documentation verifying their identity, income, and homeownership. This typically included photo IDs, recent pay stubs or tax returns, mortgage statements, and utility bills. A signed affidavit attesting to a COVID-19-related financial hardship was also a crucial part of the application.
Yes, the program was a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was established using federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The program’s sole purpose was to mitigate financial hardships associated with the pandemic and help Ohio homeowners avoid foreclosure and displacement.
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