Special to the Daily News

The Kentucky Unemployment Bridge Program (UBP) is a loan option for eligible homeowners to assist in making mortgage payments. In order to be eligible, the homeowner must have experienced a job loss or reduction in income due to changing economic conditions, through no fault of their own and demonstrate a need for assistance.

The employment or income-related event must have occurred within the three-year period prior to the date of application.

The maximum amount of assistance has recently been extended to $30,000 or 18 months, whichever occurs first.

Of the $30,000, the maximum amount that may be used for reinstatement — all related fees and payments to bring the loan(s) current — is $12,500.

If clients return to work earning more or the same as their previous employment, Kentucky Housing Corporation will continue to pay their mortgage for two months then stop payment as further assistance would not be necessary.

Bell-Whitley only handles the intake of cases and all pending items. Kentucky Housing Corporation’s Underwriting Department has the final decision on all cases.

Bell-Whitley has assisted with the application process for the Bridge Program for the past two years in all counties. During the quarter of Oct. 1, 2012 through Dec. 31, 2012, the agency took 48 applications, 16 of which have already been approved and brought current. There are 24 files currently pending information and eight cases have been denied due to ineligibility.

If you have questions regarding this program, contact Norman Cornelius, Anna Brock or Josh Milles at 606-337-3044. Youmay also visit the main Bell-Whitley office, located at 129 North Pine Street in Pineville, to pick up a packet and initiate the application process.