More assistance in dollars and months, and higher income limits
A state program to help homeowners affected by dozens of disasters, especially the Los Angeles firestorms, has been expanded while the Trump administration withholds much-needed disaster relief.
The CalAssist Mortgage Fund has increased the free mortgage-assistance program to one year and up to $100,000 in relief, greatly exceeding the previous limits of three months and $20,000. Household income limits have also increased, opening the door to help more homeowners.
The assistance is paid directly to mortgage companies, allowing homeowners to focus on rebuilding and recovering – and worrying less. Homeowners do not repay the funds.
As of mid-February 2026, the state has paid about $6.5 million to 800 recipients, many of those who lost their homes from the Altadena and Eaton fires in January 2025.
ABOUT TWO-DOZEN DISASTERS QUALIFY FOR THE MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE
Fewer than 20 homes have been rebuilt during the past year, as federal disaster relief is withheld and insurance companies have been slow to pay.
“As these communities continue rebuilding, we’re not going anywhere,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom. “The state of California is a committed partner every step of the way on the road to recovery. This disaster was unprecedented and demanded flexibility and real-time action.”
Community leaders, state lawmakers and Newsom have been meeting on recovery efforts for the past year.
CalAssist Mortgage Fund
Homeowners are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. For eligibility details and application information, please visit CalAssistMortgageFund.org or call 800-501-0019.
“We’ve been on the ground listening and adjusting to meet people’s evolving needs,” Newsom said. “That’s why we’re expanding this program – to close the gap between relief and long-term recovery and make sure folks get the help they need to move forward.”
Almost two-dozen states of emergency disasters – most are wildfires – during the past few years are eligible for the CalAssist Mortgage Fund. Homes must be considered destroyed or uninhabitable.
An aerial view of the devastation following the Eaton Fire in January 2025. ADOBE STOCK
‘A REAL CHANCE TO KEEP MOVING FORWARD’
Current and previous recipients of CalAssist Mortgage Fund are eligible for the expansion of the mortgage-assistance program.
“This expansion is about lifting weight off families who have lost so much,” said Rebecca Franklin, Chief Deputy Director of the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA). The state oversees the Cal Assist Mortgage Fund. “The timing here is critical. Many families affected by the LA fires have been on forbearance for a year now and haven’t made a mortgage payment since the fires started. By offering a full year of mortgage assistance and expanding income eligibility, we’re making it clear that this support is real, available and intended for families who are still recovering.”
Income limits have increased to about $248,000 in Kings County to almost $347,000 in Ventura County. In Los Angeles County, the income limit has jumped $70,000 to $281,400.
For Sonia Linares, who lost her home in the Altadena fire, the expanded program is a huge relief.
“The help I received eased a huge amount of stress during an incredibly difficult time,” Linares said. “Knowing that more support is now available gives families like mine a real chance to keep moving forward while we rebuild.”
Feature photo of the Pacific Palisades Fire, with the Getty Museum in the foreground. ADOBE STOCK
