The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has extended a number of housing assistance programs introduced during the pandemic that are meant to help veterans facing homelessness. These programs include a moratorium on evictions and foreclosure, as well as mortgage repayment assistance for veterans struggling with their mortgages. These programs are especially important for disabled veterans, who are disproportionately likely to become homeless.
What Are These Housing Assistance Programs?
The VA’s moratorium on foreclosure and eviction is a program that protects veterans from homelessness. It does this by preventing foreclosure or eviction proceedings from going forward while it is in effect. While this means that affected veterans still owed money on their rent or mortgage, at least they would not become homeless. This program was originally set to end in June, but it was extended by the VA to last until July 31.
The second program, the mortgage repayment assistance program, gives financial aid to veterans with mortgages that they have struggled to pay due to the pandemic. A veteran who applies for these benefits can potentially get housing assistance to help with any mortgage payments they have been struggling to pay. This program, likewise, was set to end, but has been extended until September to help veterans struggling with their mortgage payments.
What Are These Programs Meant to Do?
These programs were originally put into place at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to help with veterans who struggled to keep their homes. Veterans are disproportionately likely to become homeless, and this effect is even more pronounced for veterans suffering from disabilities. These programs offered relief to veterans who suffered from financial hardship during the pandemic, helping them to remain in their homes despite any issues they were facing due to COVID-19.
Why Were These Programs Extended?
While much of the country has begun reopening, many places are still struggling with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. In particular, the economic problems that started with the pandemic continue to linger, with many veterans still struggling to get back on their feet. By extending these housing assistance programs, they help veterans to stay in their homes while they work to get their financial situations under control.
What Else Can Disabled Veterans Do?
For disabled veterans struggling with hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, additional financial assistance may be available. They may be able to seek housing assistance, or an increase in their disability benefits from the VA. However, to get those benefits, you may need help from lawyers with knowledge of veteran disability law who can help you with your case.
The attorneys of Sullivan & Kehoe place a special focus on assisting disabled veterans. Our veterans’ disability lawyers are still available for remote consultation on your legal issues. Call our office at (800) 395-7830 to schedule a consultation in our New York City, Garden City, Kings Park, Riverhead, or White Plains office, or visit our contact page.
It seems these rules and laws change under every administration. Its a good thing I have an attorney I trust and I advise everyone in this situation to get one as well.
I’m glad you elaborated on housing assistance programs and how they’re helping veterans. Personally, I think it’s great that there are programs that are aiding veterans in delicate living conditions. In my opinion, veterans might not know they’re able to apply for assistance, so I’ll be sure to start spreading the word. Thank you so much for the information on VA programs and their impact.