Colorado’s Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program offers money to eligible homeowners affected by COVID-19 so they can make their mortgage payments.
Colorado allocated $20 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds to help homeowners who've been economically impacted by the COVID-19 national emergency. With its CARES Act money, the state set up an Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (EMAP). This program offers financial assistance to homeowners who need help with their mortgage payments because their income has decreased or they're unable to work as a direct or indirect result of COVID-19.
How Colorado's Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (EMAP) Works
EMAP provides homeowners with money, paid directly to the lender, to cover mortgage payments. Housing costs in arrears starting on or after March 1, 2020, are eligible for the program.
You can also get help with your current month's mortgage payment and future months. Effective January 1, 2021, applications that are approved for current assistance will result in three months' worth of housing costs, which are paid in one transaction. The payments are for the current month, plus two future months (the two immediately consecutive months). Subsequent applications require another "quarterly" income certification with current documentation. Review these guidelines to get more details on how the program works.
How to Qualify for Mortgage Payment Help in Colorado
To qualify for mortgage relief from EMAP, you have to meet the below criteria:
- You must have experienced a financial hardship after January 21, 2020, or had a financial hardship that began before January 21, 2020, and continued after January 21, 2020.
- You must provide income documentation and have household incomes equal to or less than 100% of the Area Median Income for your county. (Income is calculated based on the month preceding the month for which assistance is requested.)
- You must currently own and occupy a primary residence in Colorado.
- Your original loan must not be a jumbo loan at the time of purchase or the most recent refinance.
- Funds may only be used for a homeowner's primary dwelling.
- You must provide documentation indicating that you're ineligible for or have been denied a forbearance or will not be eligible for relief from your lender.
How to Apply for EMAP
To apply for EMAP and get more information, go to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs website. If you have additional questions, you may email dola_haf_client_support@state.co.us.
Effective date: June 9, 2020
Updated: November 24, 2021