$72M Available to Mississippi Homeowners Facing Foreclosure

Learn about Mississippi’s COVID mortgage-relief program.

By , Attorney · University of Denver Sturm College of Law

Update: The Mississippi Home Saver Plus program discussed below is not accepting online applications at this time. However, be sure to check the official Mississippi Home Saver Plus website for the most recent information. The program will accept manual applications for delinquent mortgages and property taxes through a housing counseling agency. And if you're facing a foreclosure, you might still have time to work out an alternative with your loan servicer. Contact your loan servicer to learn about available options. Also, if you have questions about the foreclosure process in Mississippi or want to learn about potential defenses, consider talking to a foreclosure lawyer.

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 Mississippi who've experienced a financial hardship because of COVID-19 can get a portion of the $72 million allocated to the state—up to $50,000 per household—by applying to the state's Home Saver Plus program. This program uses federal Homeowner Assistance Fund money to help Mississippi homeowners get caught up on overdue housing payments so they can avoid foreclosure.

How the Mississippi Home Saver Plus Program Works

This program is for homeowners who are overdue on their mortgage payments or in (or exiting) a COVID-19 mortgage forbearance.

The Home Saver Plus program provides a reinstatement option to homeowners, which is a one-time payment to bring a delinquent mortgage loan current and includes up to three months of mortgage payment assistance. The program can also help with a second mortgage lien. And you might qualify for financial help to eliminate or reduce past-due payments associated with your mortgage, like delinquent property taxes.

Assistance is structured as a nonrecourse grant that you don't have to repay. Each household is limited to a maximum of $50,000. And even if you've already received mortgage assistance from the Mississippi Home Saver Hardest Hit Fund, you can still apply.

Eligibility Requirements for the Mississippi Home Saver Plus Program

To qualify for mortgage relief from this program, you must have suffered a material reduction in income or an increase in living expenses after January 21, 2020, because of COVID-19. You must also meet the following eligibility criteria.

  • You must have owned the home, which is located in Mississippi, on or before January 21, 2020.
  • You must occupy the property as your primary residence.
  • Your total annual household income must be less than 100% of the area median income.
  • If you're in active bankruptcy, you're not eligible for the program.

To check your eligibility, go here. To learn more about the program and eligibility criteria, see the program's Frequently Asked Questions section.

How to Apply for the Mississippi Home Saver Plus Program

To apply to this program, go to the prescreening section of the program's website. You'll have to provide some documentation with your application, like mortgage statements, income documentation (such as pay stubs or tax returns), and a government-issued ID (like a driver's license). For a complete list of the items you'll need, go here.

If you don't qualify for assistance from the Mississippi Home Saver Plus program, or you need other types of assistance, like paying for utilities, another state, local, or private sector program might be able to help you.

How Long Will the Mississippi Home Saver Plus Program Last?

The Mississippi Home Saver Plus program will continue until the earlier of September 30, 2026, or when all of the funds allotted to the program have been exhausted. If you think you might qualify, it's best to apply as soon as possible.

Avoid Homeowner Assistance Fund Scams

If you get an unsolicited offer by phone, in the U.S. mail, through email, or by text message offering mortgage relief or foreclosure rescue services, be wary. Scammers sometimes target homeowners who are having trouble making their mortgage payments.

The Mississippi Home Saver Plus program is free. If anyone asks you to pay a fee to get housing counseling or foreclosure prevention services from this program, it's a scam. If you experience fraud associated with this program, be sure to report it.

Getting Help

If you need help with the application process, contact the Mississippi Home Saver Plus program at 601-718-4647. 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 Mississippi or want to learn about potential defenses to a foreclosure, consider talking to a foreclosure lawyer.