HUD announces federal disaster assistance for January flood survivors in California

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced federal disaster assistance is coming to California flood survivors from the late January 2024 severe storm.

President Biden previously issued a major disaster declaration for Jan. 22 flood victims in San Diego County, clearing the way for HUD to offer disaster assistance.

Jan. 22 flood victims now have a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and foreclosures of mortgages to Native American borrowers under the Indian Home Loan Guarantee program.

Homeowners impacted by the late January flooding are advised to contact their mortgage or loan servicer immediately for assistance. HUD noted conventional mortgage holders may also be eligible for additional relief through their mortgage holder.

In addition to HUD's moratorium on foreclosures of mortgages, there is also a 90-day extension granted automatically for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages.

The moratorium and extension are effective as of the President’s disaster declaration date.

San Diego residents and business owners impacted by the Jan. 22 flooding can apply for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App.

The IRS has also postponed the tax filing deadline until June 17, 2024 for California residents impacted by the late January atmospheric river storm and flooding.

When homes are destroyed or damaged, a HUD program provides FHA insurance to disaster victims. HUD-approved housing counseling agencies have counselors available to assist those impacted by natural disasters to determine assistance needs and available resources. Find a HUD-approved housing counseling agency online or by calling 800-569-4287. 

For more information, homeowners can call the FHA Resource Center at 1-800-304-9320. To learn more about disaster relief options for FHA homeowners, visit the FHA Disaster Relief site. Learn more about HUD Disaster Resources here.