REMINDER: Funds Still Available for New Jersey's Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance Program (ERMA) - 06/2023
The ERMA program still has funds to help homeowners facing financial hardship and delinquent homeowner obligations due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19.
What:
Eligible applicants could receive up to $75,000 per household as a three-year forgivable loan to cover mortgage reinstatement, escrow shortages, delinquent property taxes, municipal or tax liens, delinquent Homeowner Association (HOA) dues, and up to four future mortgage payments. Initially announced in February 2022, we're reminding you that funding is still available.
Who:
New Jersey residents who own and live in the home they're applying for, and who:
- Can show either 10% loss of income or a 10% increase in expenses that was directly related to COVID-19
- Have been unable to keep up with their homeowner obligations, resulting in delinquent payments – PLEASE NOTE: You must have a past-due balance to qualify
- Do not have assets to cover the delinquent payments
- Have a household income that does not exceed 150% of the county AMI. The limits for Ocean and Monmouth County are as follows:
| Family Size | 100% AMI (Priority Status) | 150% AMI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $79,900 | $114,350 |
| 2 | $87,150 | $130,700 |
| 3 | $98,050 | $147,050 |
| 4 | $108,900 | $163,350 |
| 5 | $117,650 | $176,450 |
| 6 | $126,350 | $189,500 |
| 7 | $135,050 | $202,600 |
| 8 | $143,750 | $215,650 |
How:
Submit your application at www.njerma.com.
Further Details:
- Applicants will need to receive no-cost housing counseling services from a HUD-approved Housing Counselor. The application process can be lengthy.
- Do not have assets to cover the delinquent payments
- All assistance will be in the form of a subordinate lien that will be forgivable after a loan term of three (3) years.
- Property must have been current or no more than 30 days delinquent as of January 21, 2020.
- Required documents: photo ID for all adult applicants, proof of income for past 30 days, bank and asset statements covering 60 days for all mortgagees, spouses, and any adults listed on the application, form 4506-C to access tax returns from 2019 onwards, and mortgage statement(s) for the property.
- For more information, visit www.njerma.com, e-mail [email protected], or call 855-647-7700.
