Fannie Mae Clarifies Unemployment Benefits Eligibility For Refinance Loans

Fannie Mae Mortgage Origination Refinance

On May 6, Fannie Mae issued Selling Guide Announcement SEL-2014-04, which makes clear, effective immediately, that unemployment benefits may be used in qualifying an applicant for a DU Refi Plus or Refi Plus loan whether they are seasonal or non-seasonal. The announcement explains that the change was required because, while unemployment benefits constitute a type of public assistance income that may, at the lender’s option, be considered in qualifying an applicant, current guidelines for DU Refi Plus and Refi Plus mortgage loans may be interpreted to restrict that consideration to seasonal unemployment benefits only. The announcement reminds sellers that, as with other income sources and documentation requirements for DU Refi Plus and Refi Plus mortgage loans, lenders are not required to establish a minimum history of receiving income or make a determination that the income can be expected to continue for at least three years.