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Free Mortgage Protection Program for First-Time Home Buyers
To help provide first-time home buyers with peace of mind when purchasing a home, Rebate4buyer.com will help home buyers Free of Charge to apply for a mortgage protection insurance. Through this Mortgage Protection Program, first-time home buyers who lose their jobs due to layoffs may be eligible to receive up to $1,500 per month, for six months, to help make their mortgage payments. A qualified co-buyer also can participate in the program, and receive a monthly benefit of $750 per month for up to six months. Program benefits also include coverage for accidental disability and a $10,000 death benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits?
Through the program, first-time home buyers who lose their jobs or become accidentally
disabled may be eligible to receive up to $1,500 per month for up to six months to help
make their mortgage payments. A qualified co-buyer can also participate in this program,
for a reduced monthly benefit of up to $750 per month for up to six months in the event
of a job loss or disability. In addition, the program offers a one-time $10,000 accidental
death benefit.
How much does it cost?
It costs the home buyer absolutely nothing for the first year!
Who qualifies for this program?
An applicant must:
• Be a first-time home buyer who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years;
• Open and close escrow between 4/2/2009 and 12/31/2009;
• Purchase a primary residence in California;
• Be represented by a California REALTOR®, like a real estate agent of Rebate4buyer.com ; and
• Be a W-2 employee (i.e. not self-employed) but can not be a sole proprietor,
partner or controlling stockholder in the business in which you are employed, or a
dependent of a sole proprietor, partner or a controlling stockholder in the
business in which you are employed.
There are no income or home price caps under this program.
Are there any exclusions under the policy?
Yes. You cannot be self-employed, an independent contractor, a business owner, a
temporary or seasonal worker, an educational employee on a scheduled break, or work
for your immediate family. There are other exclusions such as voluntarily choosing to
become unemployed, expiration of employment contracts, willful misconduct, criminal
misconduct, death, disability, family leave, childbirth, pregnancy and war. See the
insurance policy for specific definitions of these exclusions.
How do home buyers apply?
When does the home buyer get the insurance contract?
An e-mail confirming coverage under the insurance policy will be sent to the insured and
a special web address and password will be included to use in order to access and
review the insurance policy within thirty (30) days after eligibility has been verified.
Must the monthly benefit amount be used to pay for the mortgage payment?
Yes. Under the Mortgage Protection Program, a home buyer agrees to use the
insurance proceeds first to pay the mortgage, and the remainder however he/she sees
fit.
Are the benefit payments taxable?
It is possible that unemployment benefits may be taxable. Home buyers should consult
their tax advisor about any benefits received and determine what tax rules apply. The
plan pays regardless of any other coverage a home buyer may already have.
When can the home buyer receive program benefits?
The insurance policy requires a “vesting” period of six months before becoming eligible
to apply for benefits and a one month “elimination” period before payments begin.
How long will this program last?
Applications will be reviewed and insurance policies will be awarded on a first come, first
served basis until the program funds are depleted or until CARHAF discontinues the
program, whichever occurs first.
Questions about the Insurance Benefits
What is meant by Involuntary Unemployment?
Under this plan, Involuntary Unemployment is defined as totally and continuously losing
full-time employment as a result of:
(1) a permanent involuntary termination of employment; or
(2) an involuntary layoff or suspension of employment; or
(3) an authorized, unionized strike or labor dispute by a chartered or previously
organized trade or labor union; or
(4) a lockout, discharge of employees or temporary closing of business in response to
organized employee activity; or
(5) a state or federally declared disaster caused by a geological or weather-related
natural event.
Involuntary Unemployment does NOT include quitting, resigning, retiring, expiration of
an employment contract, being fired for cause, or being on leave due to accident,
sickness, disability, family obligations, childbirth, pregnancy, or due to scheduled
seasonal or temporary breaks.
What are the waiting periods?
Initial Vesting Period and Actively at Work Requirements. Before involuntary
unemployment insurance can be utilized, there is an initial Vesting Period of six (6)
months and a four (4) month "actively at work" requirement. These periods can run
concurrently, so you must be enrolled for at least six (6) months and also be working for
at least 4 consecutive months immediately prior to the date your involuntary
unemployment begins before you can have an unemployment event qualify for a claim.
If you become unemployed anytime before the initial vesting period is over, you will not
be eligible to file a claim, and you will have to return to work for at least 4 consecutive
months before eligibility begins. The unemployment claims procedure requires
documentation of registration with your state's unemployment office which will verify the
date of your unemployment.
Elimination Period. Once the vesting period and "actively at work" requirement has
been met, there is also a 30-day "Elimination Period" before cash benefits are paid. The
first 30 days of involuntary unemployment are not covered.
How long do I get involuntary unemployment cash benefits?
There is a six (6) month "Maximum Benefit Period" per unemployment occurrence. You
will be paid 1/30th of the monthly benefit amount for every day you are unemployed
(beyond the vesting and elimination period) up to a maximum of 6 months. You will be
paid in arrears, not in advance.
If you go back to work after having a claim paid, you have to return to work for at least
four (4) months consecutively, to "requalify" for benefits. But this will only apply if you
renew the coverage beyond the first year.
How do I file an unemployment claim with the insurance company?
Contact Rebate4buyer.com’s real estate agent, who will help you or give you instruction of filing.
If I get sick and am out of work do I qualify for Accidental Disability?
No, it only pays if you miss work due to an accident.
Is there a vesting period for the Accidental Disability?
There is no initial vesting period for this coverage but it does contain a 4 month "Actively
at Work" requirement among other conditions, exclusions and limitations.
Can I upgrade my benefits or renew the coverage at the end of the one year
program?
Prior to the end of the first year, you may be given the voluntary option to renew at a
"contributory" rate, which may include the same benefit package or an enhanced
package. Renewal of the product is subject to insurance company and/or CARHAF
Mortgage Protection Program availability. Methods for payment and other terms and
conditions will be provided along with the renewal offer.
The descriptions above are intended to serve as a summary and are not part of the
insurance contracts. You should consult your own insurance policy or certificate for the
specific terms which apply to you. |
