The pandemic caused by the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) has dramatically impacted Americans and our economy. Congress has provided over $12 billion through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 and over $10 billion through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021 to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist homeowners, renters, landlords, impacted communities, and individuals.
Early in the pandemic, the HUD Office of Inspector General (OIG) developed a framework of five key oversight areas to help us prioritize timely COVID-19 related work, and have since initiated and completed several audits, evaluations, investigative initiatives, and other innovative reviews in alignment with these oversight areas.
HUD OIG we will continue to conduct oversight of HUD’s management of programs intended to help those impacted by the pandemic to ensure those programs are not undermined by fraud, waste, or abuse.
Reports and Related Products
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Rental AssistanceThe CARES Act provides $2.25 billion in supplemental rental assistance for tenants who suffer reduced income during this crisis and for landlords who need financial assistance to ensure ongoing availability of affordable rental housing.
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Mortgage Loan ForbearanceHomeowners may receive up to 360 days’ forbearance on their FHA-insured mortgage payments for COVID-19-related hardships.
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Assistance for Vulnerable PopulationsCongress has provided additional funds for HUD to assist individuals who may be at higher risk of health-related impacts from COVID-19.
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Assistance for Communities’ ResponseThe CARES Act provides up to $5 billion through the CDBG program for communities to address local needs in preparing for and responding to COVID-19.
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HUD’s Mission PerformanceCongress has provided HUD an additional $50 million for operational funding to ensure that HUD continues to perform all essential mission functions while addressing the additional pandemic-related program obligations and operational limitations.