How to Get Help Paying Your Mortgage

What mortgage payment assistance actually is

Mortgage payment assistance is money or a loan that comes from a government program, nonprofit, or your lender to help you catch up on payments you have fallen behind on or to lower your monthly payment temporarily. It is not a modification of your loan itself — it does not change your interest rate or extend your term. Most programs pay your lender directly, cover arrears (the money you already owe), and require proof that a specific hardship caused you to fall behind.

The programs available to you depend on your loan type, your state, and whether you own a single-family home or a multi-unit property. A mortgage backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac (the two largest loan buyers in the country) has different options than a loan held by your bank or a portfolio lender. Federal programs exist, but most of the money flows through state and local housing agencies, and many programs have run out of funds or closed their intake.

Key Takeaways

• Most mortgage assistance programs require you to be behind on payments, not just at risk of falling behind, so you cannot prevent a default by applying early.
• Your lender's loss mitigation department handles most requests, and they can tell you in one call whether your loan type qualifies for any program.
• Federal programs like the Homeowner Assistance Fund ran through state housing agencies, but many have closed or stopped taking new requests — your state housing finance agency can confirm current status.
• Loan modification (changing your interest rate or term) is separate from payment assistance and usually requires you to be current or only slightly behind.
• Scams targeting homeowners behind on payments are common; never pay an upfront fee to a third party claiming to negotiate with your lender.

How to contact your lender's loss mitigation team

Your lender — the bank or servicer that collects your payment — has a department called loss mitigation or loan workout that handles requests for payment help. This is the first place to call. You can find the number on your mortgage statement, on your lender's website, or by calling the main customer service line and asking to be transferred.

Tell them you are behind on your mortgage and ask what options exist for your loan. They will ask for your loan number, the amount you owe, and the reason for the hardship. Be honest and specific: job loss, medical emergency, reduced income, death in the family. They will tell you whether your loan qualifies for any in-house program (many large servicers have their own assistance funds) or whether you are may be able to access for a government program based on your loan type and state.

Write down the name of the person you speak with, the date, and what they tell you. If they say no programs are available, ask them to send that in writing. If they say you do not may have access to, ask why — the reason matters for your next step.

Federal programs and state housing agencies

The largest federal program was the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF), which Congress funded in 2021 and distributed through state housing finance agencies. HAF covered back payments, current payments, property taxes, insurance, and utilities for homeowners who fell behind during the pandemic. Most states have closed their HAF programs because the money ran out, but a few still have funds available or are processing remaining requests.

To find out whether your state still has money, contact your state housing finance agency directly. You can find it by searching "[your state] housing finance agency" or by calling 211 (a national referral line) and asking for mortgage assistance in your state. The agency can tell you in one call whether funds are open, what documents you need, and how long approval takes.

Some states also run their own assistance programs separate from HAF. These vary widely in what they cover and who qualifies. Your state housing finance agency will know about all of them.

Loan modification versus payment assistance

A loan modification changes the terms of your loan — usually lowering your interest rate, extending the term, or adding missed payments to the end of the loan. A payment assistance program gives you money to catch up on what you owe but does not change your loan terms. They are different tools for different situations.

Modification usually requires you to be current on your payments or only one or two months behind. If you are more than two or three months behind, your lender will typically ask you to catch up first (often through an assistance program) before they will consider a modification. Ask your loss mitigation team which option applies to your situation and in what order.

Some programs offer both: they give you money to catch up, and then they modify your loan to lower your monthly payment going forward. Ask your lender whether this is possible for you.

What documents you will need

Most programs ask for the same core set of documents. Have these ready before you call:

• Your mortgage statement (the most recent one)
• Proof of the hardship: a termination letter, medical bills, a death certificate, proof of reduced income, or a letter from your employer
• Recent pay stubs or tax returns (usually the last two years)
• Bank statements (usually the last two months)
• A list of your monthly expenses
• Proof of homeowners insurance and property tax payments

Different programs ask for different things, so ask your lender or the state agency what they specifically need before you gather everything. Some programs will tell you to submit documents online; others want them mailed or faxed. Follow their instructions exactly — missing or incomplete documents delay approval.

Timeline and what to expect while you wait

Approval timelines vary. Federal programs typically took 30 to 90 days from the time you submitted a complete application. In-house lender programs may be faster or slower depending on the servicer. Ask the person you speak with for a specific timeline and a date when you should expect to hear back.

While you are waiting, your lender may continue to send you payment notices and late fees. Some programs pause these; others do not. Ask whether your lender will hold off on foreclosure proceedings while your request is being reviewed. If you are at risk of foreclosure, tell your lender immediately — many will delay a sale if you have an active assistance request.

Do not stop paying your mortgage while you wait for assistance, even if you are behind. Pay what you can. If assistance is approved, it will cover the arrears; if it is denied, you will have made progress on catching up.

What to do if you are denied

If your lender denies your request, ask for the reason in writing. Common reasons include: your loan does not may have access to (it is a portfolio loan, a jumbo loan, or held by a lender that does not participate in programs); your income is too high; your hardship does not meet the program's definition; or you have already received assistance once and the program limits repeat requests.

If the reason is that no program covers your loan type, ask your lender about a loan modification instead. If the reason is income-related, ask whether a different program has different income limits. If the reason is that you have already received assistance, ask whether you can reapply after a waiting period.

You can also contact a HUD-approved housing counselor for free. They can review your situation, tell you what other options might exist, and sometimes advocate with your lender on your behalf. Find one by calling 1-800-569-4287 or searching HUD's counselor directory online.

Avoiding scams and predatory services

Scammers target homeowners behind on payments by claiming they can negotiate with lenders, reduce your principal, or get you into a government program — all for an upfront fee of hundreds or thousands of dollars. This is a scam. Legitimate assistance programs do not charge upfront fees. Your lender's loss mitigation team does not charge. Government programs do not charge.

If someone calls you offering help, or if you find a service online promising to solve your mortgage problem, ask: Do they charge an upfront fee? If yes, hang up or close the browser. Do they claim to have a special relationship with your lender or the government? If yes, they are lying. Will they let you speak directly with your lender or the government agency? If no, do not use them.

Legitimate help is free. It comes from your lender, from government agencies, or from HUD-approved housing counselors. Use only those sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get assistance if I am current on my payments but worried I will fall behind?

Most programs require you to be behind on payments already. A few programs will help if you are at imminent risk of default, but these are rare. Your best option is to contact your lender's loss mitigation team and explain your situation — they may offer a loan modification or a forbearance agreement that lowers your payment before you fall behind.

What if my mortgage is held by an investor, not a bank?

Investor-held loans (sometimes called portfolio loans or jumbo loans) often do not may have access to for federal programs. Your lender may have their own assistance fund, or they may be willing to modify your loan. Call your servicer and ask what options exist for your specific loan type. A HUD-approved housing counselor can also help you figure out what is available.

Does getting assistance hurt my credit score?

Being behind on payments already hurts your credit. Assistance programs do not make it worse. Some programs ask your lender to report the assistance as "paid as agreed" rather than a default, which can actually help your credit recover faster. Ask your lender how they will report the assistance to credit bureaus.

What happens if I get assistance but then fall behind again?

Most programs limit you to one round of assistance. If you fall behind again, you will need to explore other options: a loan modification, a forbearance agreement, or selling the home. Talk to a HUD-approved housing counselor about your long-term options if you are worried about staying current after assistance ends.

Can I get assistance if I am in foreclosure?

Yes, but timing matters. If you have an active foreclosure sale scheduled, contact your lender immediately and tell them you have applied for assistance. Many lenders will delay the sale while your request is being reviewed. Some programs prioritize homeowners in active foreclosure. The sooner you apply, the better your chances.