Emergency Help With Mortgage Payments: Relief Options

Trying to keep up with mortgage payments while juggling rising costs, lost income, or a financial emergency? You’re not alone. Searches for “help with mortgage payments” have soared to levels not seen since the 2008–2009 crisis. And yes, that’s definitely a red flag — and means that now’s the time to explore relief options before falling behind.

Table of contents

• What is mortgage relief? 

• What to do first if you can’t pay your mortgage

• Explore government mortgage assistance programs

• Understanding mortgage forbearance, deferment and modification options

• Don’t forget nonprofit and community assistance options

• Consider private options for emergency mortgage relief

What is mortgage relief? 

Mortgage relief is any program or policy that helps struggling homeowners reduce, delay, or modify payments when facing financial hardship. It can come in multiple forms — from temporary payment pause to restructured loan terms — depending on your situation.

Mortgage relief vs mortgage assistance

While often used interchangeably, the two terms aren’t the same.  “Mortgage relief” often refers to federal or state–level interventions (forbearance, deferment, etc.), whereas “mortgage assistance” can include nonprofit programs, grants, or local aid. 

What to do first if you can’t pay your mortgage

When you’re facing the possibility of missing a payment, act fast. Time is your ally, and delay can burn bridges. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

Step 1: Contact your mortgage loan servicer immediately

This is your first and best move if your mortgage payments are going up or if you just can’t keep up with them (or both). Your servicer has the power to offer hardship options like forbearance, deferment, or modification. Be honest and direct. Explain your situation, request relief, and ask what documentation (like a hardship letter) they require.

Step 2: Review your finances and prioritize essentials

Pull your monthly income and expense report. Rank essentials (housing, utilities, food, medicine). This snapshot can help you and your servicer understand how much relief you need. They may ask for a hardship letter: write out what’s changed (job loss, illness, reduced hours) and how long the stress may last.

Step 3: Call a HUD-approved housing counselor

HUD-approved housing counselors offer free, expert advice on mortgage relief. Use the official HUD directory to find one near you. They can mediate with your servicer, walk you through options, and help you avoid predatory offers.

Hotline numbers:

• HUD Housing Counseling: 1-800-569-4287

• CFPB Mortgage Help Line: 1-855-411-2372

• 2-1-1 (general social services referral)

Explore government mortgage assistance programs

Many mortgage assistance programs exist at the federal, state, and local levels — but eligibility and terms differ.

Federal assistance options

• Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP): Though officially closed, some legacy programs and modifications still exist in certain servicing portfolios.

• Federal Housing Administration (FHA) forbearance & repayment plans: If your loan is FHA-insured, you may qualify for special forbearance terms.

• VA Loan Relief: Veterans or service members with VA-guaranteed loans may be eligible for special forbearance or modification.

• USDA Rural Housing Mortgage Relief: Homeowners with USDA-insured mortgages may have tailored relief options.

State and local assistance

Each state’s housing finance agency may offer mortgage relief funds, grants, or emergency assistance. For example, some states run homeowner stability programs or COVID-era relief funds. Visit your state housing authority’s website or local county housing department for details.

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Understanding mortgage forbearance, deferment and modification options

These are core relief tools if you’re struggling with your mortgage payment. Understanding them helps you pick the right path.

Mortgage forbearance

Mortgage forbearance is a temporary pause or reduction in mortgage payments. Missed payments are deferred, not forgiven, and you’ll have to repay them later (via lump-sum, installment plan, or at end of loan). Credit impact may be minimal if the servicer classifies it properly (e.g., “no adverse reporting”).

Mortgage loan modification

A mortgage loan modification is a permanent change in your mortgage terms — lowering interest rate, extending term, or reducing principal. This can lead to a more manageable monthly payment long-term.

Mortgage deferment

You’re allowed to delay payments for a period without penalty, but interest may still accrue. It’s less common than forbearance.

Don’t forget nonprofit and community assistance options

Government programs won’t cover everyone. That’s where nonprofits, community groups, and local charities may step in.

National nonprofits

Organizations like NeighborWorks, National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), or local nonprofits sometimes offer mortgage or housing grants or counseling programs.

Local charities and churches

Ask at local community centers, houses of worship, or municipal social services. Some offer emergency hardship funds or direct mortgage grants. Tip: contact your local United Way or 2-1-1 to ask about available housing funds in your area.

Consider private options for emergency mortgage relief

Use private solutions carefully — they may help in a pinch but can come with higher cost or risk.

Emergency personal loans: Short-term borrowing; watch for high APRs and unforgiving repayment terms.

Cash-out refinance/home equity line of credit (HELOC): If you have enough equity, you may be able to convert it into cash. But beware costs, longer timelines, and risk if property values fall.

Credit union hardship loans: Some credit unions offer lower-rate hardship or emergency loans to members. This may be safer than high-rate personal loans.

Remember to watch out for mortgage relief scams: Scams often promise guaranteed relief, demand upfront fees, or pressure you to sign over your deed. Legitimate agencies will not ask for large up-front payments before providing help.

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Take Action Before You Fall Behind

Don’t let mortgage stress become your downfall. Contact your servicer early, explore government and nonprofit relief, and carefully weigh private options. You’ve got less time than you think — the earlier you act, the better your chances of keeping your home.

FAQs

Does HUD help with mortgage payments?

HUD doesn’t directly pay your mortgage, but it sponsors counseling and connects you to relief programs and servicer options.

How do I get help with my mortgage payments?

Start by contacting your loan servicer, then explore federal, state, nonprofit, or private options.

What is mortgage assistance?

Mortgage assistance includes programs, grants, or services that help eligible homeowners make payments or modify terms.

How does HUD mortgage assistance work?

HUD works through approved housing counseling agencies to connect homeowners to relief programs, mediate with servicers, and advise on eligibility.