California Housing Assistance Benefits Increase 150 Percent by Broderick Perkins
SACRAMENTO, CA -- If you are an eligible home owner or renter, a 30-year-old financial assistance program in California is encouraging you to take advantage of what could be a one-time increase in your annual assistance check. Under California's Homeowner and Renter Assistance Program eligible homeowners can receive a check for up to $816. For eligible renters, the maximum is $600. In one of the nation's most expensive housing markets, that may sound like a drop in the bucket, but the new assistance levels could pay for as much as a month's rent or one mortgage payment -- for some, the difference between homelessness and keeping a roof over your head. This year, thanks to a robust economy, the annual program's payouts reflect an increase of 150 percent from previous years. "During the state budget process, they upped the state payment by 150 percent. The (non-taxable) money helps defray the cost of property taxes," said Patrick Hill, program spokesman. Next year, the increased payments could revert to previous, smaller levels unless the state Legislature approves retaining the increased amounts for 2001. This year, payouts averaging $493 have gone to some 313,000 Californians, most of them renters. While renters don't pay property taxes directly, their rental payments help the landlord do so. "Typically we see many more renters apply than home owners because many homeowners don't qualify under the income thresholds," said Hill. If you are a homeowner, you may be eligible for a payment from $34 to $816 in homeowner assistance -- up from from $14 to $326 in previous years. You could qualify if on December 31, 1999 you were 62 or older, or blind, or disabled and meet all of the following requirements: You owned and lived in your own home on December 31, 1999. You had a total household income of $33,993 or less in 1999. You are a United States citizen, or a designated alien or qualified alien when you file your claim. Only one homeowner from each household is entitled to the assistance each year. When two or more individuals of a household meet the qualifications for filing a claim as the homeowner, they must decide which one of them will file the claim. If you are a renter, you may be eligible for a payment from $25 to $600 in renter's assistance -- up from $10 to $240 in previous years. You could qualify, if on December 31, 1999 you were 62 or older, or blind, or disabled and meet all of the following requirements: You lived in a qualified rented residence in California in 1999. You paid $50 or more per month rent on that residence. You had a total household income of $33,993 or less in 1999. You are a United States citizen, or a designated alien or qualified alien when you file your claim. If you live with other qualified renters, each renter is permitted to file a claim unless the other renter was your spouse. If you were married and lived together, you and your spouse are considered one renter and can file only one claim each year. If you are married and have not lived together for the entire year, each qualified spouse may each be eligible for assistance. The benefits are also available for those who rent or own manufactured homes. Qualified residents should visit the state's Franchise Tax Board Web site to obtain the appropriate assistance program application or to obtain directions to volunteers who can assist you with your application. Call the program at (800) 338-0505. | 
