Welcome to the Essex County Home Improvement Program        

In attempt to assist your understanding in enrolling in the program, these are the requirements that MUST be met by the homeowner(s):      

1. One (1) to three (3) family dwelling (owner occupied). No investment properties or reverse mortgages.
2. Adjusted Gross Income for current year – must meet income guidelines per household, for each person in that unit.

Check website first to see if you are eligible prior to completing the application process by logging onto  Copy and Paste this URL https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il/il2018/2018summary.odn

1. Signed Federal & State Taxes, W2’s (if applicable) for the previous year. Income Tax Transcript is also required for confirmation your taxes were done accurately. You can obtain your transcript online by visiting:  www.irs .gov or call 1(800) 829-1040. If you do not file taxes, you can request and must provide a Non-Filer Transcript (18 years of age and older).
2. Verification of employment letter (on company letter head, address, dated, start date, currently working, hourly work week, hourly pay, projected annual income and signed.) Also, include one month of pay stubs. 
3. If self-employed, provide a year to date financial statement and a letter from tax preparer or accountant to verify income. Include type of ownership and accountant name and contact information with certification number.
4. Unemployed or receiving any assistance, a notarized letter indicating unemployment status and when it began and or type of assistance, such as unemployment compensation, social security, SSI, pension, interest on savings, and all annuities. Should not exceed 30 days. If in school, provide school transcript – 18 Years and older only!
5. If divorced, provide complete decree, if applicable. Include any child support or alimony settlement.
6. If you are widow or widower, provide a copy of death certificate.
7. Property Deed
8. Two (2) months of mortgage statements, home insurance and utilities – MUST BE CURRENT OR PAID IN FULL

PLEASE NOTE: Any loan modifications must provide six (6) months of mortgage statements to show good                             standing (NO EXCEPTIONS).

Other requirements may be required depending on the individual homeowner(s). 

Conducted by the County of Essex: 

1. Title Search (must be clear)
2. Appraisal (must have 3.5% equity or greater)
3. An initial inspection by our Cost Estimator                                                                                                                               NOTE: We must meet all code compliance – Repairs cannot exceed maximum threshold, if they do it may be cause for denial.
4. An Inspection by a lead company (any lead findings take priority over repairs)
5. All repairs will be monitored by our Cost Estimator. If lead was found, a clearance report must be provided indicating that the lead was properly addressed.

     Procedures for the Essex County Home Improvement Program on-line enrollment and submitting application:

1. Copy and Paste this URL https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il/il2018/2018summary.odn
2. Register name and email
3. Scroll to “Start a new application” section and click highlighter link

      PLEASE NOTE: Save ALL uploaded documentation and record your identification number (ID). Also, upload all pages pertaining to each requirement together. 

Dear Homeowner(s):

Please see the Procedures below for the Essex County Home Improvement Program on-line enrollment and application submission.  See the attached “Welcome Letter” and requirements first to assist you further prior to completing the application process.  

If you do not have access to a computer at home or your local library, please contact our office to schedule an appointment for assistance.

Sincerely,

Elvin Pereira,                                                                                                                                                                                                         Loan Advisor

Procedures for the Essex County Home Improvement Program on-line enrollment and application submission:  

Copy & paste URL for income eligibility: Copy and Paste this URL: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il/il2018/2018summary.odn

Please save all uploaded documentation and record your identification number (ID).  Any further questions you may have, please contact our office 973-655-0200.