Veterans have options as foreclosure, evictions bans set to expire

Temporary bans on evictions and other tenant and homeowner protections implemented during the pandemic are set to expire. Following are a list of resources for Veterans.

Veterans transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing can receive one of approximately 30,000 smartphones to help them stay engaged with their health care providers. These phones from VA help Veterans continue attending virtual groups and recovery programs, assist with virtual housing and job searches, and help VA staff monitor their well-being. This is in addition to the more than 31,000 smartphones Veterans received from VA during the height of the pandemic to minimize the risk of social isolation and missed health care appointments.

Renters can find information on rental assistance through The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The Rental Assistance Finder helps renters and landlords find local resources and apply for assistance.

For more general information about the Emergency Rental Assistance program, visit the unified federal housing assistance portal hosted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Veterans can remain in stable housing through VA’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program. Veterans can get services ranging from temporary financial assistance and legal aid to childcare subsidies, so Veterans with children can return to work. The SSVF program’s Shallow Subsidy intervention initiative provides a modest subsidy for two years to extremely low-income Veterans who are at risk of homelessness in select communities.

Veterans can use a short-term mortgage repayment assistance program via the VA Partial Claim Payment Program. This brings certain borrowers current on their mortgage as they resume regular mortgage payments. COVID-19 impacted borrowers can use VAPCP to help them remain in their homes. After foreclosure moratoriums end, VA will take additional steps to prevent foreclosures on VA-backed mortgages until a borrower review for affordable COVID-19 home retention options.

How to get help

There are many ways Veterans can access VA’s homeless prevention and rapid rehousing services.

• Visit gov/HousingResources for information about a wide range of VA and non-VA resources for Veteran who may be at risk of losing their housing when federal and local eviction moratoria end.
• Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness are strongly encouraged to visit their localVA medical center, where VA staff are standing by to assist. Or contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838, where trained counselors are available 24/7.
• Veterans can use free legal clinics in VA facilities in 46 states and the District of Columbia operated by external legal service providers. A list of the clinics is available at the VA Office of General Counsel.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, free legal clinics are no longer operating on-site at VA facilities. However, many non-VA legal providers are still providing legal services available to Veterans by phone or email. To seek assistance on a legal matter, Veterans may call or email a legal services provider listed in their area.
• Stateside Legal is maintained by the federally-funded Legal Services Corporation as a national directory of legal service providers with experience and interest in serving Veterans and active duty military clients. The American Bar Association has a similar resource called ABA Home Front.
• Veterans who have or are at risk of falling behind on their mortgage should contact VA’s Home Loan Center at 877-827-3702.