The time has come for states to begin distributing monies won in a $25 billion settlement against big banks for the robo-signing scandal and other mortgage wrongs committed during the freewheeling days of risky lending that led to the U.S. financial crisis. Forms have been mailed to potential claimants who may have been subject to wrongful foreclosure and experts say as many as 2 million borrowers may be eligible. Those who don’t get a form may request one for free and they are to be submitted no later than Jan. 18, 2013. Settlement funds are expected to be dispensed four to six months following submission. For more on this continue reading the following article from TheStreet.
Several Attorneys General offices have issued notices to borrowers who were wrongfully foreclosed upon between 2008 and 2011 to expect claim forms for possible compensation under the $25 billion national mortgage settlement.
The settlement inked with the nation’s biggest mortgage servicers set aside $1.5 billion in payments to borrowers nationwide.
Eligible borrowers are those whose mortgages are serviced by Ally Financial, Bank of America (BAC), Citigroup (C), JPMorgan Chase (JPM) and Wells Fargo (WFC).
Claim up to $26,000 per W2 Employee
- Billions of dollars in funding available
- Funds are available to U.S. Businesses NOW
- This is not a loan. These tax credits do not need to be repaid
Nearly 2 million borrowers could be eligible under the settlement. The amount paid to borrowers depends on the number of eligible borrowers who apply. Borrowers who participate may continue to pursue legal remedies with banks independently.
The application for a claim is free. California Attorney General Kamala Harris warned borrowers of settlement-related scams. The claim form is just one page and asks no personal financial information. Borrowers should beware of any calls offering assistance in the claim process.
The deadline for submission of claim forms is Jan. 18, 2013. Checks are expected to be mailed by mid 2013.
Borrowers can contact the national mortgage settlement administrator’s office for further details and questions.
Separately, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced on Tuesday $20 million in funding housing and legal counseling services to struggling New York homeowners. The announcement is part of a three-year $60-million commitment that is being funded out of the proceeds of the national mortgage settlement.
"The rise in foreclosures in New York State is troubling, but this isn’t just a matter of numbers: each foreclosure represents a devastating loss for a family and a community. This program puts homeowners first, and these organizations will help get our neighborhoods back on track," said Attorney General Schneiderman in a statement.
This article was republished with permission from TheStreet.
