Save the Dream Mortgage, Property Tax, and Utility Assistance for eligible Ohio homeowners.
Mortgage assistance or help paying your mortgage in Ohio
Assistance for past due property tax bills
Utility assistance for homeowners
Save the Dream Ohio provides financial assistance to eligible Ohio homeowners financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The Ohio Housing Finance Agency, on behalf of the state of Ohio, received $280 million from the US Treasury’s Homeowner Assistance Fund for the program.
Save the Dream Ohio has two components: Mortgage Assistance and Utility Assistance Plus. The program aims to reduce the number of foreclosures and prevent the loss of utilities for homeowners across Ohio.
Mortgage Assistance
The Save the Dream Ohio – Mortgage Assistance provides eligible Ohio homeowners who have experienced financial hardship due to the pandemic with assistance to pay delinquent mortgage payments and future payments for up to six months. A homeowner may be eligible to receive up to $25,000 in combined mortgage assistance.
Who is eligible for Save the Dream Ohio Mortgage Assistance?
- Homeowners with primary residence in Ohio have experienced financial hardship or loss of income related to the pandemic.
- Homeowners with an income at or below the annual eligibility threshold for the household size.
| Number of People in Household | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Max Income | $103,350 | $118,200 | $132,900 | $147,600 | $159,450 | $171,300 |
Does Save the Dream Ohio assist with delinquent mortgage payments and future payments?
Yes, Save the Dream Ohio – Mortgage Assistance can assist eligible homeowners with current delinquent mortgages and make future payments for up to six months for a combined total of $25,000.
What is the maximum amount of assistance a homeowner may receive?
A homeowner may receive up to $25,000 combined mortgage assistance (delinquent and future payments).
Does Save the Dream Ohio help a homeowner with outstanding property taxes?
Yes, the Mortgage Assistance component of the program can assist with delinquent property taxes if the property taxes are included in the mortgage payment. If you pay property taxes separate from your mortgage payment, you may receive assistance through the Save the Dream Ohio – Utility Assistance Plus.
What is an eligible coronavirus pandemic-related hardship?
- Financial hardship due to a material reduction in income
- A material increase in living expenses associated with the coronavirus pandemic after January 21, 2020.
How do homeowners apply for the program?
Ohio homeowners can visit Save the Dream Ohio or call 888-404-4674 to apply for assistance.
What documentation is needed to apply?
Mortgage statement, plus the most recent tax return OR most recent 30-day income for all adult household members.
How will homeowners be notified if their application is approved?
Homeowners will receive a text or email to log into their file and view a message. They may log in and view their file 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Will homeowners receive a check to pay their mortgage?
No, homeowners will not receive a check to pay their mortgage. Once an application is approved, the Ohio Housing Finance Agency will make payments directly to the applicant’s mortgage lender/servicer. They will then be applied to the homeowner’s mortgage account.
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Utility Assistance Plus
The Save the Dream Ohio – Utility Assistance Plus provides eligible Ohio homeowners experiencing pandemic-related financial hardship up to $10,000 in assistance. Doing so to prevent utility service disconnection and prevent defaults on non-escrowed property taxes or homeowner fees.
Who is eligible for utility assistance?
- Homeowners with a primary residence in Ohio have experienced financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Homeowners with an income at or below the annual eligibility threshold for the household size.
| Number of People in Household | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Max Income | $103,350 | $118,200 | $132,900 | $147,600 | $159,450 | $171,300 |
What expenses are included in Save the Dream – Utility Assistance Plus?
The following expenses are eligible:
- Natural Gas
- Electricity, including renewable resources
- Bulk fuel, including propane, fuel oil, coal, and wood
- Water
- Sewer
- Trash Removal
- Broadband internet service
- Property Taxes
What are additional housing expenses included in Save the Dream Ohio – Utility Assistance Plus?
Additional housing expenses that are eligible for payment include:
- Homeowners Insurance
- Flood Insurance
- Mortgage Insurance
- Homeowner’s association fees or lien
- Condominium association fees
- Lot Rent
Common Charges Assistance can include bringing bills current, disconnection and reconnection fees, and up to six months in future payments.
Am I still eligible for property tax assistance if my property taxes are escrowed?
You may qualify for assistance through the Save the Dream Ohio – Mortgage Assistance. You may also receive assistance through additional programs from your local Community Action Agency.
How do homeowners apply for the program? Who do I contact for utility assistance?
To apply for mortgage assistance, visit Save the Dream Ohio or call 888-404-4674. To apply for Utility Assistance Plus, visit Save the Dream Ohio to see if the Community Action Agency in your county is a participating partner. You will complete a Utility Assistance Plus application through the Community Action Agency.
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What documentation is needed to apply?
Most recent tax return OR most recent 30 days income for all adult household members, utility, insurance, and tax bills.
How will homeowners be notified if their Utility Assistance Plus application is approved?
The Community Action Agency will notify the applicant if their application is approved.
Will homeowners receive a check to pay their utilities and other housing costs, such as property taxes?
No, homeowners will not receive a check to pay their utilities or other housing costs. The local Community Action Agency will make payments directly to the utility company, county auditor, or lender/service provider. Payments will be applied directly to the homeowner’s account.
Are Save the Dream Ohio benefits taxable?
No, Save the Dream Ohio benefits are not taxable.
Source: Save the Dream Ohio
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