Rent / Mortgage Bill

HomeSafe Georgia’s Mortgage Payment Assistance and Mortgage Reinstatement Assistance
In 2010, the Hardest Hit Fund® was established by the federal government to provide foreclosure help to homeowners most affected by the steep decline in home prices and rising unemployment rates. HomeSafe Georgia was established by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to administer the Hardest Hit Funds designated to Georgia, one of the 18 “hardest hit” states. 

HomeSafe Georgia’s Mortgage Payment Assistance and Mortgage Reinstatement Assistance programs are closed.  Homeowners currently receiving assistance will not be affected.

Assistance is still available for eligible homeowners for HomeSafe Georgia’s Mortgage Principal Reduction program, which offers two options: Underwater Georgia and Mortgage Payment Reduction (aka Recast). 

Mortgage Principal Reduction is a limited funded program and not all eligible homeowners may receive assistance before funds are exhausted.  Application to HomeSafe Georgia does not guarantee that assistance will be provided or that funds will be available.

Underwater Georgia
Underwater Georgia is a limited-time initiative to help eligible homeowners who owe more than their homes are worth through a one-time principal reduction of up to $50,000 submitted directly to the lender.

Underwater Georgia Eligibility Requirements
The term “Applicant” includes all homeowners and borrowers legally bound to the home, and the spouse.

  • The program applies only to an applicant’s primary residence, which must have been purchased prior to January 1, 2012.
  • The total lien balance on all mortgages for the subject property must be less than $250,000.
  • The property must have a loan to value greater than 110%, which can be reduced to 100% – 125% with assistance from $5,000 to $50,000.
  • The mortgage must be less than 90 days’ delinquent.
  • The lender/servicer must be participating in the HomeSafe Georgia program or agree to participate.
  • Applicant(s) cannot currently own more than one home.
  • Applicant(s) cannot be in active bankruptcy and must be current on tax filings. (Tax liens, if any, must be less than $10,000 total and have a documented active payment plan in place.)
  • The total of liquid assets (of residing applicants) cannot exceed $50,000 or the amount of assistance needed, whichever is less.
  • The total gross household income (all income received by residing applicants) must be able to support the mortgage payment but not exceed 140% of the averaged Area Median Income of their county.
  • An applicant has not previously received HomeSafe Georgia assistance.
  • Additional criteria apply.

To apply, click here

Mortgage Payment Reduction (Recast)
The Mortgage Payment Reduction program offers a one-time payment of up to $50,000 submitted directly to the lender for eligible homeowners who have suffered a permanent loss of income in the last four calendar years.

The lender/servicer must be participating in the HomeSafe Georgia program or agree to participate and must be able to modify or recast your loan.  (Not all lenders participate in this program option and many loan products do not qualify.  We recommend that you discuss this with your lender before applying.)

Mortgage Payment Reduction Eligibility Requirements
The term “Applicant” includes all homeowners and borrowers legally bound to the home, and the spouse.

  • The Homeowner/borrower/spouse must have had a permanent loss of income in the last 4 calendar years due to a qualifying type of hardship:
    • Death of residing spouse or homeowner
    • Awarded full disability
    • Forced retirement
    • Going from Involuntary unemployment to Social Security
    • Going from Workman’s Comp or Disability to Social Security
  • The program applies only to an applicant’s primary residence.
  • Applicant(s) cannot currently own more than one home.
  • The total lien balance on all mortgages for the subject property must be less than $250,000.
  • The property value cannot be reduced below 80% with assistance.
  • The payment ratio must exceed 31% to be considered for assistance and cannot exceed 40% after assistance.
  • Applicant(s) cannot be in active bankruptcy and must be current on tax filings. (Tax liens, if any, must be less than $10,000 total and have a documented active payment plan in place.)
  • The total of liquid assets (of residing applicants) cannot exceed $10,000 or 10 times the amount of the mortgage payment.
  • An applicant has not previously received HomeSafe Georgia assistance.
  • Additional criteria apply.

To apply, click here

Questions or need help?

Customer Service is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except state holidays. 

  • Phone (toll free): 1-877-519-4443
  • Para asistencia en Español, presiene (4) cuatro
  • TDD/TYY Line 404-679-4915, or toll free 1-877-204-1194
  • Email: homesafe@dca.ga.gov

 

Lowndes Area Crisis Care
601 N. Lee St.
In the Social Services Bldg (Lela Ellis School)
In the offices where L.A.M.P. used to be next to the Community Soup Kitchen.
Tues. & Sat. 9-1 PM
By appointment only.  Call:
(229) 506-5540
Leave a message.  It may take a couple of days, but the call will be returned.
Serves: Lowndes and surrounding counties

Salvation Army
320 Smithland Place
Valdosta, GA 31601
Phone: (229) 232-4724