What Is a Reverse Mortgage?
A reverse mortgage is a loan. A homeowner who is 62 or older and has considerable home equity can borrow against the value of their home and receive funds as a lump sum, fixed monthly payment or line of credit. It does not require the homeowner to make any payments. Instead, the entire loan balance becomes due and payable when the borrower dies; moves away permanently; or sells the home.
How do we look at a Reverse Mortgage?
We treat it as a loan. It is not countable. If it is received in a lump sum any balance would be counted as a resource after 90 days unless it is encumbered. An example of encumbered would be if the loan was for home repairs and the home repairs have not yet been completed. The funds from the reverse mortgage set aside to pay this expense would still be exempt. If the proceeds are used to purchase an income producing resource, such as an annuity or certificate of deposit, the income and interest are counted as income.
What the worker needs to do:
- Obtain a copy of the reverse mortgage
- Verify who and how the money was received
- Ensure how the money was spent (check for transfer of asset)
- Remember to complete lien paperwork if required
For additional information refer to ITS 317:35-5-41.9
Comments or Suggestions?
We want Quest to be your source for important information that you need to succeed at in your work but we need your help:
Was this article helpful? Was it missing something you needed to get the job done?
Tell us what you think, what you know about this article. What are we doing well, and what we could do better.
All fields are required.