Act fast 

to avoid foreclosure

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consumerfinance.gov

Credit card complaint line

(855) 411-CFPB (2372)

TTY/TDD 

(855) 729-CFPB (2372)

(202) 435-7000

Consumer Financial

Protection Bureau

1700 G Street NW

Washington DC 20552

Options that may be 

available if you work 

with your servicer

If you want to keep your home, you may 

have options available, including:

•	 Forbearance. This temporarily reduces 

or suspends your payments to help you 

get through a period of lost income. 

You will also be offered a payment plan 

to make up the missed payments.

•	 Mortgage modification. A 

modification is a permanent change 

to your loan. Your interest rate may 

be changed or the number of years 

you have to pay off the loan could be 

extended.

•	 Other Assistance. Depending on 

your loan and where you live, you 

might be eligible for other assistance 

programs. For instance, if you have an 

FHA-insured loan or your state has a 

“Hardest Hit Fund Program” you might 

be able to get a one-time loan from 

the FHA insurance fund to bring your 

mortgage current. 

Depending on the type of loan you have, 

you may be able to participate in other 

programs.

About the CFPB

The CFPB is focused on making the consumer 

financial markets work for families by 

empowering consumers to take more control 

over their financial lives.

Get help now

• Submit a complaint

• Tell your story
Act right away

A lot of Americans just like you have suffered financial 

setbacks. Your mortgage servicer – the company that 

receives and processes your payments – likely has a 

couple of ways to help you reduce or suspend your 

payments until you get back on your feet. 

But don’t put it off. The longer you wait, or the further 

you fall behind on your payments, the harder it will be 

to create a plan that works for you.

Here’s what to do

1. Add up your income and expenses.

Look for ways to cut costs. If you can’t find enough 

to make your payment, decide how much you can 

afford to pay.

2. Look for your servicer’s contact 

information.

It should be on your mortgage statement or in your 

mortgage payment book. 

3. Have this information ready:

• Mortgage loan number (account number)

• Other mortgage paperwork or notices you’ve 

received recently

• Recent pay stubs

• Latest tax return

• Your list of expenses

Free housing counseling

The Department of Housing and Urban 

Development (HUD) approves housing 

counseling agencies staffed by trained 

housing specialists. They can help you 

weigh your options. 

This help is free.

For 24-hour foreclosure help and 

counseling, call:

888-995-HOPE (4673)

TTY service for the hearing impaired is 

available at 877-304-9709. 

You can also visit: 

MakingHomeAffordable.gov 

for action steps and more information

Beware of scams

Criminals often target homeowners worried about 

their mortgages. They charge big fees and promise 

“guaranteed” or “immediate” results. But you end up 

with nothing in return. Call the Consumer Financial 

Protection Bureau if you think you may be the target 

or victim of a scam:

(855) 411-CFPB (2372)

TTY/TDD (855) 729-CFPB (2372)