California Expands CalAssist Mortgage Fund Disaster Relief: More California Families to Qualify for Mortgage Grants

Income limits increased — up to $211,050 in Los Angeles County — expanding eligibility for families rebuilding after disasters.

What you need to know: California is expanding the CalAssist mortgage relief program to help more families in Los Angeles, and across the state, access the program.

SACRAMENTO – Continuing its support for LA fire survivors, Governor Newsom announced today that the CalAssist Mortgage Fund will increase its income limits, allowing thousands more California homeowners impacted by recent disasters to qualify for mortgage relief. In Los Angeles County, survivors of the 2025 wildfires with household incomes up to $211,050 may now be eligible — a $70,000 increase from the previous threshold.

“Disaster recovery isn’t some off-the-shelf formula — it’s community-driven and grounded in what actually works. That’s why we listened to local leaders, adapting what’s working and staying focused on results. Today’s expansion of mortgage relief in Los Angeles underscores that commitment — because real recovery doesn’t leave anyone behind.”
Governor Gavin Newsom 

Funded by the state of California and administered through the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), the program provides grants for three months of mortgage payments, up to $20,000 per household. Applying is free, and funds are paid directly to mortgage servicers and never have to be repaid. Today’s expansion helps ensure that more families affected by the recent fires in Los Angeles are able to access this important relief.

Click here to view the full press release on the CalHFA website.

Facts About the CalAssist Mortgage Fund Disaster Relief Expansion

The CalAssist Mortgage Fund today announced it has increased its income limits, which will allow thousands more California homeowners impacted by recent disasters to qualify for mortgage relief.

• Funded by the state of California and administered through the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), the program provides grants for three months of mortgage payments, up to $20,000 per household.
• Applying is free, and funds are paid directly to mortgage servicers and never have to be repaid.
• The CalAssist Mortgage Fund was allocated $105 million to assist homeowners. Applications are open on the CalAssist Mortgage Fund website.
• Key program eligibility criteria:
  • Homeowners whose primary residence is destroyed or severely damaged as the result of a qualified disaster that occurred between Jan. 1, 2023, and Jan. 8, 2025.
  • Applicants must meet the program’s updated income limits. County-by-county limits are available here.
  • Eligible properties include single-family homes, condos, or permanently affixed manufactured homes (up to 4 units).
  • Applicants must have a mortgage or a reverse mortgage.
• Qualified disasters include the Eaton Fire, Palisades Fire, Park Fire, San Diego floods, and others across the state.
• Funds are limited, and applications are reviewed in the order received. Homeowners are encouraged to apply immediately.
• For questions or help completing an application, individuals can call the CalAssist Mortgage Fund call center at 800-501-0019 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.). Free support is also available through HUD-certified housing counseling agencies.

QUOTES

“With this program expansion, we can reach more families struggling to recover from devastating disasters,” said CalHFA Chief Deputy Director Rebecca Franklin. “These grants provide a safety net, helping families while they focus on rebuilding their lives.”

“When Californians face their hardest moments, the state steps up to help,” said Tomiquia Moss, Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary. “Today’s announcement ensures more people can access these critical resources when they need them. California is acting decisively when our neighbors need it most.”

“Knowing my mortgage was covered for three months lifted a huge weight off my shoulders,” said Janice Dykstra, an Altadena homeowner. “The CalAssist Mortgage Fund was a true gift, giving me hope and stability after the fire destroyed my home”.

About the CalAssist Mortgage Fund:
Administered by the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), the CalAssist Mortgage Fund is a limited-term program that offers assistance to homeowners affected by recent disasters in California. In response to these emergencies, Governor Gavin Newsom proposed in February 2025 that CalHFA use funds from the National Mortgage Settlement to provide direct mortgage relief to affected homeowners across the state.