California is launching a mortgage relief program for fire survivors. Here’s how to apply

Their homes were reduced to ash, but survivors of the Eaton and Palisades fires still have to pay their mortgages. Now, the state of California is offering grants that could help some homeowners defray costs as they begin efforts to rebuild.

The California Housing Finance Agency launched the CalAssist Mortgage Fund program Thursday. Applicants can qualify for up to three months of mortgage payments, with a maximum grant of $20,000.

Officials said the relief does not need to be repaid.

“Altadena residents want to remain and rebuild in this community, but the financial press is real and growing for many,” said L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents neighborhoods devastated by the Eaton Fire.

“We need to keep hope alive,” Barger said at a news conference in Altadena to unveil the program. “That’s exactly what we are doing here today.”

Who qualifies — and when to apply

Online applications will be accepted starting June 12 at CalAssistMortgageFund.org. Officials are urging homeowners to apply quickly, because once the program’s $105 million in funding runs out, future requests will be denied.

In order to qualify, an applicant’s primary residence must have been destroyed in a California disaster that occurred between Jan. 1, 2023, and Jan. 8, 2025. This year’s Palisades and Eaton fires are included, as well as previous disasters across the state, such as the 2024 Park Fire and Hurricane Hilary in 2023.

Applicants also need to meet the program’s income limits. In Los Angeles County, the maximum annual income will be $140,700, regardless of household size, officials said.

Relief will be first come, first served

Homeowners should start preparing now for next week’s opening of the application portal, officials said. Documents needed to apply include mortgage statements, bank statements, utility bills, insurance claims and proof of income.

Lori Gay, president of the nonprofit Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County, told residents not to put off the application process.

“That $100 million will go like hot cakes,” Gay said.

How to get help applying

Rebecca Franklin, chief deputy director of the California Housing Finance Agency, acknowledged that the documentation and online application process could deter some households from seeking help. She said homeowners can call the program’s contact center at (800) 501-0019 to ask for in-person help from a federally certified housing counselor.

“We understand that sometimes, when we get into mortgage relief, these can be complex ideas and terms that — if you don't work in the industry — you don't know,” Franklin said. “So just connect with us and we can help you.”

CalAssist will send relief payments directly to mortgage servicers. That means this help is only available to homeowners with a mortgage servicer that has agreed to participate in the state program. A list of participating mortgage servicers can be found on the CalAssist website.

More than 400 mortgage companies signed on to a mortgage forbearance program announced by Gov. Gavin Newsom shortly after the L.A. fires. Those forbearance periods gave borrowers the ability to temporarily delay their monthly payments, but they’re now wrapping up.

Barger said she’s already hearing from constituents having trouble getting caught up.

“Forbearance didn't mean forgiveness,” she said. “If forbearance is coming to an end, this is going to give them breathing room for the next three months — or up to $20,000 — to figure out their next move.”