State Senator Cristina Castro is encouraging homeowners who had trouble making mortgage payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic to take advantage of an upcoming mortgage assistance program that will open for applications on Tuesday, Nov. 1. The Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund, administered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority, will provide up to $30,000 in mortgage assistance to eligible homeowners — paid directly to the servicer, taxing body or other approved entity — while homeowners work to regain their financial footing. To qualify for ILHAF assistance, Illinois homeowners must have experienced a financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic after Jan. 21, 2020 (including a hardship that began before Jan. 21, 2020, but continued after that date). The program is free and funds do not need to be repaid. Application, program information and updates can be found at illinoishousinghelp.org. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023. Interested homeowners are strongly encouraged to attend an information session hosted by IHDA or one of its housing partners. The session schedule is posted online at illinoishousinghelp.org. For those without access to a computer or the internet, please contact the ILHAF hotline at 1-866-IL-HELP (866-454-3571).