Maryland has received $40 million in federal aid to helpunemployed homeowners make their mortgage payments.

In an announcement Friday, state and federal officials saidborrowers could receive as much as $50,000 in interest-free loans to pay offpast-due amounts and to make up to two years of payments. In order to qualifyfor aid, homeowners must have sustained an income loss of at least 15 percentand be three to 12 months behind on their mortgage payments.

Borrowers must meet with a nonprofit housing counselor inMaryland to apply for the Emergency Homeowner Loan Program. Homeowners mustalso have a “reasonable likelihood” of being able to get back on their feet,officials said.

If you are behind on your mortgage payments, please contactthe Maryland Mortgage Modification Attorneys of Chaifetz & Coyle, P.C., bycalling 443-546-4608.