California Expands Wildfire Survivor Mortgage Relief to $100,000

Governor Newsom increases maximum grants and income eligibility for state's CalAssist Mortgage Fund program.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a major expansion of California's CalAssist Mortgage Fund, increasing the maximum grant amount from $20,000 to $100,000 for homeowners impacted by recent wildfires. The program now provides up to 12 months of mortgage payment assistance, up from the previous 3-month limit, and has significantly raised income eligibility thresholds, with Los Angeles County households now qualifying with combined annual incomes up to $281,400.

Why it matters

The move aims to provide more robust financial support for fire-ravaged communities as they transition from short-term disaster relief to long-term rebuilding. The expanded program reflects the unprecedented scale of recent California wildfires and the urgent need to stabilize affected households.

The details

The CalAssist Mortgage Fund, launched in June 2025 by the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), has provided $6.5 million in grants to 793 recipients so far, primarily survivors of the Palisades and Eaton fires. The program now offers a full year of mortgage payments, up from the previous 3-month limit, and has increased the maximum grant amount from $20,000 to $100,000. Income eligibility limits have also been raised significantly, with the Los Angeles County ceiling increasing by $70,000 to $281,400, and the Butte County limit now set at $255,000.

  • The CalAssist Mortgage Fund was launched in June 2025.
  • The program has provided $6.5 million in grants to 793 recipients to date.

The players

Governor Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who announced the expansion of the CalAssist Mortgage Fund program.

California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA)

The state agency that administers the CalAssist Mortgage Fund program.

Sonia Linares

An Altadena resident who lost her home in January 2025 and received an initial grant from the program, which she said eased a "huge amount of stress".

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What they’re saying

“As these communities continue rebuilding, we're not going anywhere. The state of California is a committed partner every step of the way on the road to recovery.”

— Governor Gavin Newsom (Office of Governor Gavin Newsom)

“Many families affected by the LA fires have been on forbearance for a year now, and haven't made a mortgage payment since the fires started.”

— Rebecca Franklin, CalHFA Chief Deputy Director (Office of Governor Gavin Newsom)

“The expanded support 'gives families like mine a real chance to keep moving forward.'”

— Sonia Linares, Altadena Resident (Office of Governor Gavin Newsom)

What’s next

Homeowners who have already received the original three months of assistance are now eligible to apply for the additional nine months to reach the new 12-month maximum. The state continues to coordinate with over 160 lending institutions to streamline forbearance requests and provide a "bridge" for survivors while insurance claims and rebuilding plans are finalized.

The takeaway

The unprecedented expansion of California's mortgage relief program for wildfire survivors reflects the state's commitment to supporting impacted communities through the long-term recovery process. By significantly increasing grant amounts and eligibility, the program aims to provide a critical lifeline for families struggling to rebuild their homes and lives.