
The USDA Mortgage Recovery Advance is a financial assistance program designed to help struggling USDA borrowers. It can provide up to $10,000 in assistance, which can be used to pay past-due property taxes, insurance, or mortgage payments.
To qualify for the USDA Mortgage Recovery Advance, borrowers must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a USDA loan in good standing and experiencing a qualifying financial hardship. Borrowers must also be current on their loan payments, with no more than 31 days past due.
The Mortgage Recovery Advance can be a game-changer for borrowers who are struggling to stay current on their loan payments. By providing financial assistance, it can help borrowers get back on their feet and avoid foreclosure.
To apply for the Mortgage Recovery Advance, borrowers should contact their USDA loan servicer or a local housing counseling agency for assistance.
A fresh viewpoint: Usda Home Mortgage
What is USDA Mortgage Relief
USDA Mortgage Relief is designed to help struggling borrowers by reducing their monthly payments. The program was released by the USDA as part of their COVID-19 Special Relief Measures.
A 20% reduction in principal and interest payments is the goal of this program. This reduction is based on current interest rates and can be achieved through a combination of interest rate reduction, term extension, and a one-time payment from the USDA.
The USDA COVID-19 Special Relief Measures were made available on July 23. This was just a week before the nationwide foreclosure moratorium was set to expire.
To qualify for this relief, borrowers must have a USDA loan that was closed on or before January 1, 2020. They must also be more than 30 days past due on their mortgage payments as of March 1, 2020.
A mortgage recovery advance is another option available to borrowers. This is a one-time payment from the lender to cover past-due mortgage payments and related costs like taxes and insurance.
Here are the tools used to reduce mortgage payments by 20%:
- Interest rate reduction based on current Freddie Mac Weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS)
- Term extension up to 480 months (40 years)
- Mortgage Recovery Advance -- a one-time payment from the USDA
The 20% reduction applies only to principal and interest payments, not other housing costs like taxes or mortgage insurance.
Summary
The USDA mortgage recovery advance aims to benefit borrowers by offering a less cumbersome option to eliminate documentation and eligibility challenges for borrowers who do not require payment reduction.
This proposed rule is intended to provide lenders more flexibility in their servicing options and reduce program risk of the guaranteed loan portfolio.
The Rural Housing Service proposes to amend the current regulation for the Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program to implement these changes.
By implementing Special Servicing Options for Non-performing Loans, the USDA hopes to make the loan process smoother and less stressful for borrowers.
This change is expected to benefit borrowers who do not require payment reduction, allowing them to focus on getting back on their feet without the added burden of loan paperwork.
For more insights, see: Where Can I Apply for a Usda Home Loan
Proposed Rule Discussion
The USDA Mortgage Recovery Advance is a program that can help homeowners who are struggling to pay their mortgage. It's a loan that allows homeowners to tap into the equity in their home to cover mortgage payments.

The program was created to help homeowners who are facing financial hardship due to circumstances beyond their control, such as job loss or medical emergencies. This loan can be a lifeline for those who are struggling to make ends meet.
Homeowners who are eligible for the USDA Mortgage Recovery Advance must have a USDA Direct loan and meet certain income and credit requirements. They must also demonstrate a clear plan to get back on their feet financially.
The loan amount is based on the difference between the home's current market value and the outstanding balance on the mortgage. This means that homeowners can borrow up to a certain amount to cover their mortgage payments.
The loan has a 0% interest rate and no fees, making it a very attractive option for those who need help. However, homeowners must still make regular payments on the loan to avoid default.
The USDA Mortgage Recovery Advance can be a game-changer for those who are struggling to pay their mortgage. It can provide the financial relief needed to get back on track and avoid foreclosure.
Mortgage Recovery Advance
The Mortgage Recovery Advance is a one-time payment that your lender can provide to cover past-due mortgage payments and related costs like taxes, insurance, and fees.
This payment can bring your loan current and prevent foreclosure. To qualify, you must have a USDA loan that was closed on or before January 1, 2020.
You must also be more than 30 days past due on your mortgage payments as of March 1, 2020. Your lender will evaluate your income, expenses, and credit history to determine if you are eligible for a mortgage recovery advance.
Recommended read: Usda Mortgage Payment
USDA Pilot Program
The USDA pilot program is making a significant impact on mortgage recovery advances. It's now processing 2,000 to 3,000 MRA requests from servicers every month, a huge increase from the pre-pandemic pace.
This program is designed to get payment assistance to borrowers faster and more efficiently. The USDA is no longer handling the servicing of partial claims, instead, letting servicers do what they do best.
Servicers continue to file partial claims on behalf of the borrower, with payment issued to them from the USDA. No interest or fees accrue, which is a huge benefit for borrowers.
The servicer will retain the balance on the borrower's account and collect the money when the loan refis or pays off. This way, borrowers don't have to worry about additional expenses.
Loans with attached MRAs are eligible for refinancing, but with some exceptions. For more streamlined products, you can't include it, but for traditional loan products, it is eligible.
This pilot program is expediting payment assistance to borrowers and reducing the hassle of dealing with recording fees and junior liens.
Broaden your view: Reverse Mortgage Fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I refinance an USDA mortgage?
Yes, you can refinance a USDA mortgage, but your property must still meet the USDA's rural area requirements.
What is a USDA MRA?
A USDA MRA is a mortgage recovery advance for USDA guaranteed loan borrowers, providing financial assistance during loan recovery. It's an option for those struggling to pay their USDA mortgage.
Sources
- https://www.fairway.com/articles/usda-mortgage-relief-reduces-payments-by-20-percent
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/01/27/2023-01636/single-family-housing-guaranteed-loan-program
- https://gustancho.com/news/usda-covid-19-special-relief-measure-extended/
- https://www.nationalmortgagenews.com/news/usda-pilot-puts-servicers-in-charge-of-partial-claims
- https://volservicing.com/payment-assistance
Featured Images: pexels.com