HomeHelpMN deadline pushed back into August

The deadline for Minnesota homeowners to apply for mortgage assistance has been extended.

HomeHelpMN — which has $109 million in federal funding to help homeowners who’ve fallen behind on expenses due to COVID-19 — moved its deadline back to 5 p.m.Aug. 17.

The program pays up to $35,000 for past-due expenses like mortgage payments, property taxes, home loans, homeowners’ insurance and land lease payments.

Since May 17, HomeHelpMN has gotten nearly 2,800 applications, the state says. Thousands more are believed to be eligible.

“We know that there are tens of thousands of Minnesota homeowners who have fallen behind on their housing expenses, with as many as 14,000 households who are behind on their mortgages by 90 days or more,” Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho said in a statement. “We estimate that 85% of the homeowners that have past-due payments meet the income requirements. If you are struggling to pay your housing bills because of the pandemic, now is the time to apply for HomeHelpMN.”

Applications can be submitted online or over the phone at 800-388-3226.