$175M Available to Colorado Homeowners Facing Foreclosure

Learn about Colorado’s COVID mortgage-relief program.

By , Attorney · University of Denver Sturm College of Law

In early 2021, President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act into law. This law created a Homeowner Assistance Fund, a federal program, to give $10 billion to the states to help households behind on their mortgages and other housing-related expenses due to COVID-19.

Eligible homeowners in Colorado who've experienced a financial hardship because of COVID-19 can apply to get some of the $175 million allocated to the state by submitting an application to the Colorado Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (Colorado EMAP). This program uses federal Homeowner Assistance Fund money to help homeowners get caught up on overdue housing payments to avoid foreclosure or make future mortgage payments.

How Colorado's Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program Works

Under Colorado's Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program, you can apply for money to pay up to three months' worth of delinquent or future housing payments. A maximum amount of money per household isn't set; the amount of funding you can get will be based on your needs. If you need more than three months of mortgage assistance, you must talk to a housing counselor.

Assistance is structured as a grant that you don't have to repay.

Eligibility Requirements for Colorado's Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program

Coloradans who've experienced COVID-related hardships can apply for assistance. You must have suffered a financial hardship, such as a reduction in income or an increase in living expenses associated with COVID after January 21, 2020. Also, you must:

  • provide income documentation and have a household income equal to or less than 100% of the Area Median Income for your county
  • currently own and occupy a primary residence in Colorado, and
  • show that your original loan wasn't a jumbo loan at the time of origination or the most recent refinance. That is, the loan must not exceed conforming loan limits. (Conforming loans are eligible for Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac to purchase from lenders.)

How to Apply for Colorado's Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program

To apply for help from this program, go to the Colorado Emergency Mortgage Relief Assistance Program website. You'll have to register and use Neighborly software (an online program) to apply for assistance. You'll also probably need to provide some documentation with your application, like tax returns, to verify your income.

How Long Will Colorado's Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program Last?

Homeowner Assistance Fund programs are scheduled to continue until the earlier of September 30, 2026, or when all of the funds allotted to the program have been exhausted. Colorado plans to use all of its funds by September 30, 2025. If you think you might qualify, it's best to apply as soon as possible.

Facing Foreclosure in Colorado?

Even if the foreclosure process has started, it often takes several months before your home is foreclosed. You might still have time to get assistance from Colorado's Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program. However, the Division of Housing officials will have to work with your lender to see if the foreclosure can be stopped.

Or you might be able to work out an alternative to foreclosure with your loan servicer. Call your servicer to ask about loss mitigation options. You might have to provide documentation indicating that you're ineligible for or have been denied a forbearance or aren't eligible for relief from your lender to get assistance from Colorado's Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program.

Getting Help

If you have questions about Colorado's Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program, email dola_haf_client_support@state.co.us. You may also get help from a HUD-approved housing counselor at no cost. To find a counselor near you, go to HUD's website or call 800-569-4287.

If you have questions about the foreclosure process in Colorado or want to learn about potential defenses to a foreclosure, consider talking to a foreclosure lawyer.