How to Request Mortgage Forbearance When You Can't Make Payments

What mortgage forbearance is and how to start the process

Mortgage forbearance is an agreement with your lender to pause or reduce your monthly payments for a set period — usually three to twelve months. You do not lose the home, and the missed payments do not immediately go on your credit report. Instead, the lender agrees to let you catch up later, either by resuming normal payments, extending your loan term, or adding the missed amount to the end of your mortgage.

To request forbearance, contact your loan servicer directly — the company that collects your monthly payment, not necessarily the bank that originated the loan. You can find the servicer's name and phone number on your mortgage statement. Call and ask to speak with a loss mitigation specialist or hardship department. Have your loan number and a brief explanation of your hardship ready.

The servicer will ask you to document the hardship — job loss, medical emergency, reduced income, or similar event — and may request recent pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements. Once you submit the request, the servicer typically has 15 days to acknowledge it and 30 days to make a decision, though this varies by lender.

Key Takeaways

• Contact your loan servicer (the company collecting your payments) directly by phone, not your original lender, to request forbearance.
• Forbearance pauses or reduces payments temporarily and does not immediately damage your credit, but the missed payments must eventually be repaid.
• You will need to document a recent hardship with pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements showing why you cannot pay.
• The servicer must respond within 30 days, and forbearance periods typically last three to twelve months depending on your situation and the lender's policy.
• Understand your exit plan before accepting forbearance — know whether you will resume full payments, extend the loan, or add arrears to the end.

Finding your loan servicer and making the first call

Your mortgage statement lists the servicer's name, mailing address, and phone number. If you cannot locate a recent statement, log into your online mortgage account or call the bank where you opened the mortgage and ask for the servicer's current contact information. Do not assume it is the same company that originated your loan — servicers change hands frequently.

When you call, be direct: "I am experiencing a hardship and need to discuss forbearance options." Ask specifically for the loss mitigation or hardship department. Some servicers route forbearance requests through a dedicated line. Have your loan number ready and be prepared to explain your situation briefly — job loss, illness, reduced hours, or unexpected expense. The specialist will tell you what documents to gather.

If you reach a representative who cannot help, ask for a supervisor or the name of the department that handles forbearance requests. Servicers are required to have a process for this, and persistence matters. Keep a record of the date, time, and name of each person you speak with.

What documents you will need to provide

Most servicers ask for proof of income and proof of hardship. Bring recent pay stubs (typically the last two months), your most recent tax return, and a bank statement showing your current balance. If you are self-employed, bring profit-and-loss statements or business tax returns instead of pay stubs.

For the hardship itself, you may need a termination letter from your employer, a medical bill or explanation of benefits, proof of reduced hours, or a letter explaining the emergency. Some servicers accept a written statement from you; others require official documentation. Ask the loss mitigation specialist exactly what they need before you submit anything.

You can submit documents by mail, fax, or online portal, depending on what your servicer offers. Email is usually not secure enough for sensitive financial information. Ask the specialist for the secure submission method and confirm they received everything before you hang up.

Understanding forbearance terms and what happens after

Forbearance is not forgiveness. The missed payments must be repaid, and the servicer will outline how that happens in your forbearance agreement. Common options include resuming full payments after the forbearance period ends, extending your loan term by the number of months you were in forbearance (which lowers your monthly payment but extends the payoff date), or adding the missed amount to your loan balance and paying it off with your regular mortgage.

Ask the servicer to explain the exit plan in writing before you sign the agreement. Some servicers offer a "trial period" of one to three months at a reduced payment to show you can afford the arrangement before it becomes official. If you can, take the trial period — it gives you time to stabilize without committing to a long-term change.

During forbearance, you must still pay property taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA fees if applicable. Missing these can create separate problems. The forbearance agreement covers only your mortgage payment.

How forbearance affects your credit and your loan

Forbearance does not immediately appear on your credit report as a missed payment. However, if the servicer reports the account as "in forbearance," it may show up as a notation that could affect your credit score slightly. The impact is usually smaller than a missed payment would be.

Once forbearance ends and you resume payments, the account returns to normal status. If you later default on the new payment arrangement, then missed payments will be reported and your credit will suffer more significantly.

Forbearance also does not prevent foreclosure if you do not eventually catch up. If you fall behind again after forbearance ends, the lender can resume foreclosure proceedings. This is why understanding your exit plan and your ability to afford the new arrangement matters before you commit.

When forbearance may not be the right option

Forbearance works best if your hardship is temporary — you lost a job but have another one starting in two months, or you had a medical emergency but are returning to work. If your income loss is permanent or long-term, forbearance only delays the problem. You will still owe the full amount eventually, and if you cannot afford your regular payment now, you may not afford it after forbearance ends.

If you are deeply underwater on your mortgage (owe significantly more than the home is worth) or your home is in a declining market, forbearance does not address the underlying problem. In these situations, a loan modification, refinance, or other program might be more useful. Ask the loss mitigation specialist whether other options exist for your situation.

If you are already in foreclosure, forbearance may still be available, but the timeline is tighter and the process more urgent. Contact your servicer immediately if you have received a foreclosure notice.

Other mortgage relief programs to consider

Forbearance is one tool, but not the only one. A loan modification permanently changes your loan terms — lower interest rate, longer payoff period, or both — and is useful if you cannot afford your payment even after forbearance ends. A refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one, usually at a lower rate, but requires decent credit and home equity.

Some servicers offer payment plans that spread your missed payments across several months without formally entering forbearance. Government-backed loans (FHA, VA, USDA) may have additional programs specific to those loan types. Ask your servicer what programs you may be able to explore.

If you are struggling with multiple debts or facing foreclosure, a HUD-approved housing counselor can review your full situation and recommend the best path. These counselors are free and can often negotiate with your servicer on your behalf. You can find one through HUD's website or by calling 1-800-569-4287.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my servicer denies my forbearance request?

Ask for the reason in writing. Servicers must provide a specific explanation if they deny forbearance. If you believe the denial is unfair, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or your state's attorney general. You can also reach out to a HUD-approved housing counselor, who may be able to help you appeal or explore other options.

Can I get forbearance if I am already behind on payments?

Yes. In fact, being behind sometimes strengthens your case because it shows the hardship is real and ongoing. However, the servicer will include your current arrears in the forbearance agreement, so you will owe even more when forbearance ends. Be clear about how much you currently owe before you agree.

What happens if I cannot afford payments after forbearance ends?

Contact your servicer before forbearance ends to discuss options. You may be able to extend forbearance, move to a loan modification, or explore other programs. Do not wait until you miss a payment — servicers are more willing to work with you if you reach out proactively.

Does forbearance stop foreclosure if I already have a notice?

Requesting forbearance may pause foreclosure proceedings, but it does not automatically stop them. Contact your servicer immediately if you have received a foreclosure notice and mention the notice when you request forbearance. Some servicers will halt the process while forbearance is being considered.

Can I sell my home while in forbearance?

Yes, but the sale proceeds must pay off your mortgage in full, including any missed payments that are part of the forbearance agreement. If you owe more than the home is worth, you will need your lender's permission to sell at a loss (a short sale). Discuss this with your servicer before listing the home.