Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) announced the Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) will open on April 11, 2022 to help homeowners who have fallen behind on mortgage payments and related housing expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible households will be able to apply for up to $30,000 in free assistance to pay past due mortgage payments, property taxes, property insurance, and delinquent homeowner and/or condo association fees. Homeowners in need of assistance can find more information on program eligibility and how they can prepare to apply at www.illinoishousinghelp.org.

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31, 2022. To qualify for ILHAF, Illinois homeowners must have experienced a financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as lost income or increased expenses, on or after Jan. 21, 2020. They must also currently own and occupy their home in Illinois as their primary residence, be at least 30 days late on their mortgage or other homeowner expenses, and have a household income at or below 150 percent of the area median income. In preparation for applying for ILHAF assistance, homeowners should also have the following documentation ready:

• Proof of identification, including but not limited to a driver’s license, state ID, permanent residency card or other form of ID.

• Proof of household income, including but not limited to tax returns, pay stubs, or other documentation.

• Proof of occupancy, including but not limited to a bank statement, cell phone bill, credit/debit card statement, or other documentation.

• Proof of ownership, including but not limited to a property tax bill, property deed, or other documentation.

• Delinquency statement, including but not limited to a mortgage statement, property tax statement, insurance statement, or HOA/Condo Association statement.