SOURCES OF FINANCIAL HEP TO PREVENT FORECLOSURE IN IONIA COUNTY
It may be possible for you to pay for one or two month’s arrearage with contributions from three sources: 1.) Department of Human Services 2). Ionia County Community Services Agency and 3). Charities, churches and organizations.
STEP 1. APPLY TO THE MI DEPTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES FOR STATE EMERGENCY RELIEF.
After you have received a Notice of Intent to Foreclosure from your lender. Get an application at a Department of Human Service office or call and have one mailed to you. When it is filled out and you have the documentation that you need, go to the office and meet with a service worker. No appointment is needed; it is a first-come, first-served basis.
Ionia County Dept. of Human Services, 920 Lincoln, Ionia, MI 48846
Phone: (616) 527-5200
Fax: (616) 527-1849
ELIGIBILITY FOR STATE EMERGENCY RELIEF
Asset Limits:
One person------------------ $1,750 non-cash asset limit
Two or more persons---------$3,000 non-cash asset limit
A homestead, a vehicle and personal and household goods are not counted. You can qualify for emergency assistance while owning these things.
Income Limits: group size 1 2 3 4 5 6
Income Limit $445 $500 $625 $755 $885 $1,015
Examples of income include Wages, Self-employment Earnings, Social Security, Veteran’s Benefits, Child Support and Rental Income.
INFORMATION TO BRING TO STATE EMERGENCY RELIEF DHS APPOINTMENT
- Picture ID
- Social Security Cards (for everyone in the household)
- Income (current or date stopped)
- Application or receipt of unemployment benefits
- Assets (401(k) account statements, bank statements, investments, etc…)
- Shelter expenses (mortgages, property tax, insurance, heat, electric, phone & water bills)
- Shut-off Notices
- Child Support paid out
- Day care expenses paid out
- Medical or health insurance cards
- Unpaid medical bills
- Alien / immigration status
- Marriage Certificate / Divorce Decree
- Paternity acknowledgement
- Pregnancy, expected date of delivery, number of children expected
For home ownership services to prevent foreclosure, also bring the Notice of Intent to Foreclose from the bank, fees, mortgage, property taxes, and house insurance bills.
STATE EMERGENCY RELIEF / HOME OWNERSHIP SERVICES (to prevent foreclosure)
- House payments (mortgage or land contract payments) including principal, interest, legal fees, and escrow for taxes and insurance.
- Property taxes and insurance, if paid separately.
- Mobile home lot rent for owners or purchasers of mobile homes.
The lifetime Home Ownership Services maximum is $2,000.00. Once a decision is made, you will receive a determination letter. What are possible reasons for a denial? Client caused emergency, housing not affordable, funds expended.
OTHER DHS PROGRAMS TO STRETCH HOUSEHOLD INCOME:
· Bridge Card (food stamps)
· Medicaid or MI CHILD
· Day care subsidies
· Emergency utility payments
STEP 2. APPLY TO THE IONIA COUNTY EIGHT-CAP
After you apply (but before you get a response) for state emergency relief,schedule an appointment for foreclosure assistance.
Ionia Eight-CAP, 413 W. Main St., Ionia, MI 48846
(616) 527-5507
STEP 3. CONTACT CHARITIES, CHURCHES AND ORGANIZATIONS FOR EMERGENCY FORECLOSURE HELP
STEP 4. APPLY FOR CITY OR TOWNSHIP PROPERTY TAX HARDSHIP EXEMPTION
Every city or township can reduce property taxes because of a hardship. The exemption can be partial or total. Income and asset limits apply. Boards of Review meet in March, July and December. Call your city or township to get an application, qualifications, documentation needed and deadlines. Even if you pay your taxes as part of your mortgage, consider this option because it can reduce your total monthly payment. (The Ionia County Hardship Application can be found on the “forms” section of this website).
OTHER RESOURCES TO SHIFT EXPENSES
- Use your local library to shift expenses. You may borrow videos, take your children to free story hours and puppet shows and use the Internet.
- Take your children to community parks to play and investigate low-cost of free recreation activities through the city or township for the family.
Ask for you child’s school for help – subsidized lunches and a waiver of fees for extra curricular activities such as sports.
Ask other community organizations for help, such as the YMCA, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Is there a way that fees can be lowered or waived for classes, outings, and summer camps?
Free or reduced cost counseling (Family Services, Ionia County Community Mental Health), dental care and medical care may be available.