The short answer
You can find out, and the answer may be less frightening on paper than it is in your head. List what the house really costs in a year, set it beside what will come in, and ask about the relief you may qualify for.
This chapter explains how things usually work in the United States. It is not legal, tax or financial advice, and the rules where you live may differ. Before you act on anything here, check it with one of the people named at the end of the chapter.
What to do
- List every cost of the house for one year.
- List what will come in each month once benefits settle.
- Ask the county assessor about all four kinds of property tax relief, by name.
- Call the energy assistance office about LIHEAP and weatherization.
- Ask the insurer to review the policy.
- Take both lists to a fee-only planner.
- Talk to a HUD-approved counselor before any reverse mortgage.
What can wait
- Refinancing.
- Taking in a lodger.
- Answering letters or calls that offer a new loan. Property tax relief may not wait. If the assessor gives you a date to apply by, keep it.
Who can help
A fee-only financial planner can go through both lists with you. The search at napfa.org finds one, and a helper or a librarian at your public library can run it with you.
The county assessor answers questions about property tax relief. The LIHEAP referral hotline is 1-866-674-6327.
For a reverse mortgage, call 1-800-569-4287 to find a HUD-approved housing counselor, and ask about any fee first. Help to avoid losing your home is free. For other mortgage questions, you can ask whether a counselor can help.
The rules, phone numbers and web addresses in this book were checked against the agencies’ own pages in October 2026. They change, so check anything you rely on with the office itself.
From Book 3: The House and the Things
This page has the short answer and the closing lists from chapter 3. The full chapter explains, in plain words, what exists, what to ask, and who can answer. The book covers months 3 to 12.
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