U.S. Sens. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) introduced the Mortgage Relief for Disaster Survivors Act, which would grant homeowners in areas that have received disaster declarations from the president, governors or tribal leaders 180 days of mortgage forbearance to support household recovery, along with an option of a 180 day extension without accumulation of interest or penalties.

The act would provide mortgage relief for disaster survivors across the country, helping alleviate financial hardships. Anyone residing in an area that has received a disaster declaration from any of the authorities described above from Jan. 1 would be eligible to request forbearance.

“Earlier this year, we watched as families in Los Angeles were devastated by wildfires, and to date, many homeowners are still struggling to rebuild from this disaster. I am proud to introduce this bill so that those who have been affected by natural disasters receive the assistance they need when they need it the most. As natural disasters become more frequent due to climate change, it is critical that we pave a path to stability for homeowners in times of crisis. This is an issue that impacts both red and blue states alike, and I’ll push hard to ensure Congress passes this legislation,” Schiff said.

“After a natural disaster, survivors often have many extra expenses for temporary relocation and basic needs, and may also be facing job loss or medical bills. This bill will ensure that disaster survivors can begin rebuilding their lives before they are required to resume making mortgage payments if they are unable to do so at the outset,” said Alys Cohen, director of federal housing advocacy for the National Consumer Law Center.

The bill is endorsed by the Consumer Action, National Consumer Law Center, National Low Income Housing Center, National Housing Law Project, Consumer Watchdog, Consumer Federation of America and Neighborhood Housing Services LA.

For information, visit schiff.senate.gov.