WASHINGTON (AP) - A landmark $25 billion settlement with the nation's top mortgage lenders was hailed by government officials Thursday as long-overdue relief for victims of foreclosure abuses. But consumer advocates countered that far too few people will benefit.
    
The deal will reduce loans for only a fraction of those Americans who owe more than their homes are worth. It will also send checks to others who were improperly foreclosed upon. But the amounts are modest.
    
And few think the deal will do much to help struggling homeowners keep their homes or to benefit those who have already lost theirs.
    
About 11 million households are underwater, meaning they owe more than their homes are worth. The settlement would help 1 million of them.

Florida is receiving $7.6 billion in benefits with $170 million going toward cash payments.

Nicole Depuy lost her Cape Coral home several years ago after a loan modification came too late and the bank foreclosed on her house.

"I've been trying to get used to not having my own home and relying on other people. Basically, I lost my independence and as a single mom that's really important to me", she said.