QUALIFICATIONS FOR TEXAS HOMEOWNERS’ ASSISTANCE GRANTS

– The program will pay for delinquent taxes for homeowners who qualify.

– This is GRANT money; it is not a loan that has to be paid back.

– Homeowners who have fallen behind on their taxes can apply to the program.

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

The program was piloted in Hidalgo County Monday, January 10, 2022, with the aim of being available to other parts of the state. It is available now.

Approximately $900 million of the American Rescue Plan will be used to provide the help so long as the applicant meets certain criteria.

Basic qualifications include:

· have fallen behind on making payments.

· own and occupy the property as your primary residence.

· household income is at or below 100% Area Median Income (AMI) or the median income for the U.S.; whichever is greater.

· the household experienced a qualified financial hardship after January 21, 2020, such as lost income or increased expenses due to the pandemic.

Hardships can be anything from having lost your job or having to pay more for childcare, medical supplies, food clothing, etc.

The program will pay for delinquent taxes for homeowners who qualify. Homeowners who have fallen behind on their taxes can apply to the program. If they qualify, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) will send a check for the delinquent amount to the Jackson County Tax Office to avoid foreclosure.

This is GRANT money; it is not a loan that has to be paid back. I am encouraging homeowners who have fallen behind on their taxes or mortgages to please apply.

Applications are being accepted online at [www.texashomeownerassistance.com]

A call center is also available at 833-651-3874.

The Jackson County Library has eight public computers for those who do not have access to computers or internet. You will need either a library card or proper identification to access the library computers.

I hope Jackson County homeowners in need will look to apply. Our office is happy to work with any taxpayer as much as we can, but the program is being administered by the TDHCA. It is a great program. I encourage all homeowners who may have delinquent taxes to apply. Once the funds are depleted, that is it.

Articles are being published statewide to get the word out. Time is of the essence.

Monica H. Foster, PCC

QUALIFICATIONS FOR TEXAS HOMEOWNERS’ ASSISTANCE GRANTS