Legal Corner: Kinship Care Subsidy Program

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Legal Corner answers viewers’ civil legal questions.

QUESTION: Because we are in the middle of hurricane season, I would like to know what options my mortgage company may offer if I contact it, if, God-forbid, I need relief after a hurricane.

ANSWER: A homeowner should try not to wait until a disaster happens to contact their mortgage company for relief after a disaster. The mortgage company may offer more flexible options to make monthly payments or even waive late fees or other penalties.

Homeowners who are still facing hardships related to a disaster may be eligible for a forbearance extension or a loan modification, which can help postpone or reduce the amount of the monthly payments.

It is imperative for a homeowner to stay in contact with their loan servicer through the disaster forbearance period to discuss options before the period ends. The servicer will work with the homeowner to find the best repayment options within the homeowner’s eligibility.

QUESTION: What is the Kinship Care Subsidy Program, and who qualifies as a “relative” caregiver?

ANSWER: The Kinship Care Subsidy Program provides monthly financial assistance to certain relatives caring for a child whose parents are not living with them. It is designed to help maintain family stability and keep children out of foster care. The goal is to preserve children’s connections to their relatives and communities.

Qualified relatives include grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles, great-grandparents, first cousins (and once removed), and step-relatives - related to the child by blood, marriage, or adoption.