Homeowners who have gone through the foreclosure process have until Dec. 31 to request a free review and could receive compensation if errors are found, according to Catholic Charities of Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Diocese of Venice, Inc.

Ordered by federal bank regulators, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, independent consultants will review foreclosure actions to determine whether borrowers suffered financial injury as a result of foreclosure errors. Where financial injury is found, regulators have directed mortgage servicers to provide compensation or other remedy. Regulators are overseeing the reviews and will approve plans to compensate affected homeowners.

To be eligible, the mortgage must have been in the process of foreclosure in 2009 or 2010, involve a primary residence, and serviced by one of the companies listed at IndependentForeclosureReview.com.

Homeowners need not to have lost their home to participate.

Catholic Charities is helping homeowners learn if they may be eligible for a free independent review of their foreclosure and can assist with the filing of a Request for Review Form. Counselors from Catholic Charities can be contacted at 941-714-7829 for more information.

Homeowners also can check eligibility and request a review at IndependentForeclosureReview.com or call 888-952-9105 to request a Request for Review Form and return it by mail.

-- Herald staff report