Mortgage Forbearance Guide: Temporary Payment Relief

Typically yes — while you are in an active forbearance agreement, the servicer should not proceed with foreclosure. However, if you are already in the foreclosure process when you request forbearance, the servicer may or may not pause it. Get your forbearance agreement in writing and confirm that foreclosure actions are suspended during the forbearance period.

Typical forbearance periods range from 3-12 months. Under the CARES Act, homeowners with federally backed loans could receive up to 18 months. After the initial forbearance period, you may request an extension if your hardship continues. Each extension typically requires updated documentation. Some servicers offer long-term forbearance for ongoing hardships.

Yes. Unlike a payment holiday, interest continues to accrue on your loan balance during forbearance. This means at the end of forbearance, you will owe more than you did when it started. The missed payments plus accrued interest must be addressed through one of the repayment options. Forbearance is a delay — not forgiveness.

Forbearance is better for short-term, temporary hardships (job loss, medical emergency, natural disaster). Loan modification is better for long-term, permanent changes in your financial situation. Forbearance gives you breathing room; modification gives you a permanent solution. Many borrowers start with forbearance and transition to modification.

Contact your mortgage servicer's loss mitigation department. Explain your hardship (job loss, reduced income, medical emergency, natural disaster). Be prepared to provide documentation of your hardship and financial situation. Submit a written request and keep copies of everything. Some servicers allow online forbearance requests. Approval is often quick for qualifying hardships.