Behind on mortgage payments? Here's how to apply for state assistance for MO homeowners

Tony Madden, Springfield News-Leader

If you're still struggling to make mortgage payments in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, you're not alone. The good news is, you may qualify for state assistance through Missouri's State Assistance for Housing Relief (SAFHR) program, which is accepting applications now. Here's how to apply and see if you qualify.

You must first complete a short pre-screening questionnaire on the Missouri SAFHR for Homeowners website. The screening asks about the household's housing and financial situation since the pandemic started. To qualify for assistance, households must answer "yes" to the following questions:

  • Has your household experienced a financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic since January 21, 2020?

  • Are you a current resident of Missouri?

  • Is the property you are seeking assistance for located in Missouri?

  • Do you live on the property (primary residence) for which assistance is being requested?

  • Do you have a mortgage on your home?

Create a Missouri SAFHR for Homeowners account

Once you've passed the pre-screening, you must create an account on the Missouri SAFHR for Homeowners website. After that, fill in the required information. This includes identity, financial, and employment information. You must also provide information such as the property address and information about co-applicants.

Add information about your household

Now that you've accessed the application, you must add all members of your household to the Missouri SAFHR application, including children. You must also provide their employment statuses, dates of birth, and relationships to the homeowner.

Add your loan information

Missouri SAFHR for Homeowners requires the following information about your home loan for the application:

  • The name of your lender

  • The type of mortgage

  • The original mortgage balance

  • The date of purchase

  • The mortgage account number

  • The current mortgage balance

  • The current monthly mortgage payment

  • The current mortgage interest rate

You must also answer another set of questions related to your loan information. Missouri SAFHR asks applicants if the loan is in default, whether the household has received a foreclosure notice, whether the loan has been in forbearance, and more. The application also asks about loan modifications and refinancing, HOA fees, and lien position.

Determine what kind of mortgage assistance you need

Missouri SAFHR for Homeowners offers two forms of assistance to those struggling with mortgage payments after COVID-19. You can either apply for reinstatement of one or more delinquent mortgages, for monthly mortgage assistance, or both. Those receiving assistance may qualify for one or both programs.

Provide household income and financial hardship information

You must provide information about the income of each person in the household. This includes category of income, frequency, amount, and description of work. You must also check the boxes marking that a material reduction in income or a material increase in living expenses was incurred as a result of the pandemic and provide a description.

More: Estimated monthly mortgage payments in Springfield metro increase 58% in 2 years: Study

Finally, gather the correct documents for your application

To process your application, Missouri SAFHR for Homeowners requires several important documents. Additional documents may be required by your processor. These documents include but are not limited to:

  • Identity verification. This can be your:

    • driver's license;

    • government-issued ID;

    • passport;

    • military ID;

    • corporate photo ID;

    • or tribal photo ID.

  • Property verification. This can be your:

    • mortgage statement;

    • title deed;

    • or property tax statement.

  • Income verification. This can be your

    • W-2s;

    • 1099;

    • IRS-accepted tax return;

    • paystubs;

    • award letters;

    • or bank statements.

For more information and frequently asked questions, visit https://www.safhrforhomeowners.com/faq.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: How to apply for Missouri SAFHR for Homeowners mortgage assistance

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