Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago is one of several agencies in the Chicago area assisting IHDA with Illinois Hardest Hit Fund.

 The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) has partnered with the U.S. Department of Treasury to offer temporary mortgage payment assistance to households that are struggling with income loss due to unemployment or underemployment, but are working to regain sufficient income to keep their home. This tool may benefit borrowers who are currently experiencing an income loss or have experienced one in the past that caused them to get behind on their mortgage payments.

Follow the step-by-step instructions listed at the site or click  Start Now to get started.  Once you begin your application, you will be assigned to a review agency who will assist you through the application process and help review your eligibility for the program. Please do not visit your neighborhood office as your application may not be processed there.

The Illinois Hardest Hit Program offers two types of assistance:

1.  Reinstatement assistance to pay mortgage arrearages, fees, and penalties in full, and
2.  Monthly mortgage payment assistance to pay 100% of the mortgage payment owed to the servicer for up to 18 months while the household makes monthly contribution payments to the Illinois Housing Development Authority during their enrollment in the program.  Maximum assistance is $25,000, depending on location.

 - WARNING -  www.illinoishardesthit.org  is the OFFICIAL website for the Illinois Hardest Hit Program.  Beware of any other sites offering this tool. APPLICATION IS FREE.  You will not be asked to pay for any eligibility determination