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Government assistance for homeowners: Natural disaster relief

by Lynn Butterfield 12/04/2024

natural disaster relief person repairing residential roof

The United States Government offers natural disaster relief options for homeowners affected by natural disasters. Disaster assistance comes in a few different forms, including loans for home repairs, utility bills and property tax relief.

To help you learn more about the kind of financial assistance available after a major disaster, here is a short guide with the basics:

Disaster mortgage insurance

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers a program for homeowners who need financial help buying a new home or repairing their existing home. As long as the home is your primary residence, you might be eligible for an insured mortgage through the FHA. 

These mortgages have zero down payments, but come with all the usual closing costs and prepaid costs of other mortgages.

Emergency help with utility bills & expenses

Even if your home does not sustain significant damage in a natural disaster, such scenarios can make it difficult to afford utility repairs and expenses. Disaster relief funding available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and can be used to pay your utility bills, reconnect utilities and repair or replace components like furnaces or air conditioners.

Disaster-related tax relief

Disaster situations may also come with tax relief. Both homeowners and businesses are eligible to file an amended tax return if they reside in a federally designated disaster area. The Internal Revenue Service also offers the option to file for an extension after a disaster. 

These are a few of the disaster assistance programs offered by the U.S. federal government. Other forms of disaster relief might be available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and can help you recover financially from a wide variety of hazards.


About the Author
Author

Lynn Butterfield

 Lynn Butterfield is an Associate Broker at Coldwell Banker and is a Certified Real Estate Negotiator. Mr. Butterfield has 41 years of experience in real estate sales and development. His vast experience ranges from luxury sales through commercial sales and leasing. Perhaps more importantly, he focuses his attention on client success, whether he's helping someone buy their first home, or working with a developer seeking assistance to create and position a large project in the marketplace. One recent client said, "Working with Lynn is almost like working with a Real Estate Attorney, because he knows exactly what to look for, so you can be protected!" Another first-time home buyer just said, "I needed someone to hold my hand through this because it's the largest investment we'll ever make! I know he isn't in this just to make a quick buck. He really cares about his clients!"

Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. He would be honored to put his real estate experience to work for you.