The application period is now open for a new financial assistance program under Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), for farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021. The application process will close on October 31. Borrowers will have the option to apply for assistance online via 22007apply.gov or through a paper-based form. Details about the program, including an application and e-filing portal, are available at 22007apply.gov.
The website includes an English and Spanish language application that applicants can download or submit via an e-filing portal, information on how to obtain technical assistance in-person or virtually, and additional resources and details about the program.
Applicants can also call the free call center at 1-800-721-0970 or visit one of several dozen brick-and-mortar offices the program has set up around the country. Locations are provided on the program website and vendors will update the local events schedule with more information as it becomes available. It is important to note that filing an application is FREE and does not require a lawyer.1-800-721-0970, or visit one of several dozen brick-and-mortar offices the program has set up around the country. Locations are provided on the program website and vendors will update the local events schedule with more information as it becomes available. It is important to note that filing an application is FREE and does not require a lawyer.
If you want to get weekly updates on the program’s events and progress, you can go to https://22007apply.gov, and subscribe to a weekly newsletter.
Eligibility
You are eligible to file an application if:
You experienced discrimination, prior to January 1, 2021, by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) in its farm loan programs, which are administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) AND / OR
You are currently a debtor with assigned or assumed USDA farm loan debt that was the subject of USDA discrimination that occurred prior to January 1, 2021. (This applies, for example, if you inherited the debt that was the subject of USDA farm loan program discrimination.)
If you do not meet at least one of these requirements, you are not eligible to apply for this financial assistance.
For more information on eligibility, see Am I Eligible.
Timeline and Program Deadlines
Application Submission Deadline:
You can submit an Application through October 31, 2023. If your application is late, it will not be reviewed, and you will not receive financial assistance. There will be no extensions. If your application is incomplete, it will be evaluated on the basis of the information that is included.
To be counted as timely, Applications submitted by U.S. or overnight mail must be postmarked no later than October 31, 2023. Applications submitted in person at a local office must be delivered by 8 p.m. local time on October 31, 2023. Applications submitted online must be submitted by 11:59 pm PDT on October 31, 2023.
The information submitted through the Application form is the only application requirement for this program. There will not be any hearings, appeals, or other processes to apply to this program.
You are encouraged to apply in advance of the deadline to allow time to resolve any questions on the Application.
Application Processing:
Your application will be processed in the Region that covers the farm or ranch listed in the Application.
The review process will begin after receiving Applications and will continue for several months.
You will be notified of the status of your applications once determinations are made.
You may also check the status of your application at forms.22007apply.gov. NOTE: You will need your confirmation ID to retrieve your Application status.
Payment Disbursements:
Payments for approved Applications will be delivered early next calendar year by check through the U.S. mail.
Program Administration
As the statute requires, nongovernmental program administrators are administering this financial assistance program. These nongovernmental organizations include:
A National Administrator to oversee the program: The Midtown Group.
Regional Hubs to provide support to you within regions: Analytic Acquisitions and Windsor Group LLC.
The National Administrator and Regional Hubs are providing services in support of the program, including conducting outreach, assisting you with the financial assistance application process, processing Applications, managing program call centers, and operating local offices.
In addition, USDA has partnered with several community groups who are conducting outreach, informing potential applicants about the Program, and providing technical assistance with the application process. Information about these groups is available here.
Thirty local offices are listed under Find Local Assistance.
USDA website for additional information, visit the USDA website or read the 22007 statute. or read the 22007 statute. or read the 22007 statute .22007 statute.UAwebsite or read the 22007 statute .
About the Program
Discrimination Financial Assistance Program Opens
USDA Press release
Cooperators Press Release
About the Application
Applying for this program is free—and free help with the Application is available. Visit How Do I Apply for more information. You do not need an attorney to file an application. However, if you feel the need for legal assistance, seek the assistance of a trusted, licensed attorney.
The Applications includes step-by-step directions and a list of documents that are either required or recommended at each step.
To apply, visit DFAP Online Application.
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