The coronavirus pandemic has affected thousands of people not only in health matters, but also economically, generating a significant increase in US unemployment rates, which is why the government has allocated various programs and funds that can assist the most needy population.
During the coronavirus pandemic, you could be a candidate to receive additional assistance for food, housing and bill payment, as well as mortgage relief, rent assistance and aid offered by the CARES Act. Remember that, given the current health crisis, laws were adjusted to empathize with the most vulnerable citizens, so when deciding to take action and seek to benefit from support programs it is important to have a specialist who can help you obtain them.
At Conexión Legal we have Hispanic lawyers dedicated to assisting you with coronavirus benefits applications, as well as any other type of advice regarding unjustified dismissal or unemployment benefits applications. Contact us via WhatsApp right now and tell us about your case.
Eviction Prohibition
Although no government plan approves you stopping payment of your rent, the US federal Government has implemented a deadline during which any type of eviction of tenants economically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic is prohibited. This prohibition ordered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been in effect since September 4, 2020 through December 31, 2020.
If you currently face an eviction order, you must sign the CDC form that certifies your situation and condition in order to protect yourself with your landlord and be covered.
To be eligible, tenants must have lost their job or work hours, or have had to care for children whose schools are closed or family members with COVID-19. Tenants must also notify their landlords in writing no later than seven days after the due date of their rent if they cannot pay.
Under What Conditions Can You Avoid Eviction?
These laws enacted in support of those affected by COVID-19 can assist you only if you find yourself under specific situations, such as:
- If you have attempted to obtain Government assistance to find housing or to pay rent.
- You do not expect to earn more than $99,000 in 2020 ($198,000 for couples filing a joint tax return).
- You had no income to report to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in 2019.
- You received a coronavirus stimulus check.
- You cannot pay the full amount of rent because you lost your job, you receive significantly reduced income
- If you have to pay very high bills for medical expenses.
- You are paying as much as you can of your total rent.
- You have nowhere to go or if you would have to move to a place where many people already live and it is a confined space.
- You understand that when the moratorium ends, your landlord can evict you if you do not pay the full amount of rent owed.
What Types of Mortgage Assistance Exist for Coronavirus?
According to the CARES Act, homeowners with federally-backed mortgages receive two types of financial assistance: Eviction Moratorium and Foreclosure.
The Eviction Moratorium and Foreclosure that went into effect on March 18, 2020 was extended through August 31, 2020. During that time, homeowners will be able to protect themselves since they cannot be evicted from their homes and will not be charged penalties for late payments.
Regarding cases with lenders, circumstances are not very different; as today they will not be able to:
- Initiate foreclosure proceedings.
- Suspend foreclosure proceedings that were already underway.
- Provide any mortgage forbearance
- People with federally-backed mortgage loans can obtain six months of mortgage assistance.
If you have difficulty making your payments due to COVID-19, your mortgage loan servicer must:
- Postpone or reduce your payments for at least six months.
- Give you another six months of mortgage relief if you request it.
- Offer you different options to pay your debt through late or reduced payments.
In situations like these, it is essential that you know your rights before any type of assistance or deferment. If you experience difficulties on this front due to unjustified dismissal, contact us and receive free online advice.
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