The Merced Sun-Star of California says a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program may assist eligible homeowners with mortgage payment relief. If 15 percent of their income has been lost because of the economic downturn or a medical emergency, they are three months delinquent, and the mortgage payment is 31 percent above household income, they may be eligible. The applicant must have received a notice of foreclosure, and must live in a single-family residence that is the mortgaged property as well as the principal residence. The applicant must also have a reasonable likelihood of resuming mortgage and other household obligations when their income increases.

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