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Equitable Retention Mortgage Assistance Program (ERMA)

The Equitable Retention Mortgage Assistance Program (ERMA) is a foreclosure prevention program for seniors that was initiated in 2019 for reverse mortgage holders. In 2022, ERMA was expanded to also include traditional forward mortgage holders. As of January 2023, Tompkins County is a participating county.

ERMA provides deferred, zero-interest loans up to $50,000 to seniors (62 and over) who are at risk of foreclosure due to mortgage arrears, condo homeowners' association fees, co-op maintenance fees, property taxes, property insurance, or other charges stemming from a temporary inability to pay that can result in foreclosure.

Additional information:

 

For additional information on the ERMA program please contact the Office for the Aging at 607-274-5482

To apply for the ERMA program please contact LawNY at 607-273-3667