Freddie Mac Unemployment Forbearance Options 

Mortgage relief for unemployed homeowners 

Are you a homeowner facing a financial hardship due to unemployment? If your mortgage is 

owned by Freddie Mac, you may be eligible for temporary relief through Freddie Mac 

Unemployment Forbearance options offered by your mortgage servicer (the organization to which 

you send your mortgage payments). These options allow for a reduction or suspension of your 

mortgage payments for a period of up to 12 months, helping you with your mortgage challenges 

while you are unemployed. 

Are You Eligible?* 

You may be eligible if: 

•	 You have a financial hardship due to unemployment; 

•	 You occupy the property as your primary residence; and 

•	 Your mortgage is owned by Freddie Mac (visit our Loan Look-up Tool to find out). 

Two Options 

There are two Freddie Mac Unemployment Forbearance relief options to help you through your 

mortgage challenges during your unemployment period: 

•	 Short-term forbearance option. If you qualify, your Freddie Mac Servicer can offer you 

short-term forbearance for six months, where your mortgage payments are either 

suspended or reduced. For this option, you: 

- May be either current or delinquent in your mortgage payments. 

- May convert to this short-term forbearance plan if you lose your job while participating 

in either a Home Affordable Modification program (HAMP) or Freddie Mac Standard 

Modification trial period plan. 

•	 Extended unemployment forbearance option. If you remain unemployed when the 

short-term forbearance period ends, your Freddie Mac Servicer will evaluate your eligibility 

for extended unemployment forbearance and may extend your forbearance period for up 

to another six months if you are eligible. Under this option, your mortgage payments may 

be reduced or suspended. 

*Your eligibility for Freddie Mac Unemployment Forbearance is based on a number of factors, including those outlined 

here. Your Freddie Mac Servicer (the organization to which you make your monthly mortgage payment) will 

determine your eligibility. 
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Other Conditions 

Your unemployment forbearance plan will be terminated if: 

•	 You do not make timely payments, if required, in accordance with your forbearance plan. 

•	 You vacate or abandon your primary residence, or it is condemned. 

•	 Any of the eligibility criteria no longer applies. 

•	 You stop looking for new employment. 

Late charges may accrue while your Freddie Mac Servicer determines your eligibility. If you are 

approved for participation, no late charges will accrue or be charged during the unemployment 

forbearance period. 

For More Information 

•	 Find out if Freddie Mac owns your mortgage by visiting our Loan Look-up Tool at 

https://ww3.freddiemac.com/corporate/. 

•	 Contact your servicer. Their telephone number and mailing address should be listed on 

your monthly statement or coupon book. 

•	 Refer to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website at 

http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/fc/index.cfm to find a list of HUD-approved 

nonprofit counseling agencies in your area that you can visit in person or talk to over the 

phone. 

•	 Contact a Freddie Mac Borrower Help Center or Network participant listed at 

http://www.freddiemac.com/avoidforeclosure/who_to_contact_for_help.html#helpcenters, 

where HUD-approved nonprofit counselors will provide confidential financial counseling. 

•	 Visit the Freddie Mac “Avoiding Foreclosure Resource Center” at 

http://www.freddiemac.com/avoidforeclosure/ to find useful tips, tools, and educational 

resources, including information on what to expect when working with your servicer. 

Footnotes: 

•	 Freddie Mac does not offer these Freddie Mac Unemployment Forbearance options directly. Your Freddie 

Mac Servicer will work with you to determine your eligibility. 

•	 There are many organizations that can help you when facing financial problems or foreclosure, but it is more 

important than ever to make sure you are dealing with a reputable organization before getting involved. Any 

unsolicited help should be fully researched before accepting any help. Go to the Freddie Mac “Avoiding 

Fraud” page on FreddieMac.com at http://www.freddiemac.com/avoidforeclosure/avoid_fraud.html to learn 

how to identify mortgage fraud. 

Note: This flyer is meant to provide general information about Freddie Mac Unemployment 

Forbearance options, and is not a comprehensive summary. Specific additional terms, 

conditions, and limitations apply. Please contact your Freddie Mac Servicer for more detailed 

information about the program and eligibility requirements. 

Publication Number 901 ■ March 2012