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Refinance · If You're In Trouble

Mortgage hardship & assistance in California.

If you are struggling to pay your mortgage, please know two things: you are not alone, and you have options. This page is a calm, plain-language guide to the help available in California. It is here to point you toward real resources — not to sell you anything.

The most important step is simple: reach out early. The sooner you ask for help, the more choices you usually have.

An advisor guiding a couple through mortgage hardship assistance options
Quick answer

If you cannot pay your mortgage in California, contact your loan servicer right away and consider speaking with a free HUD-approved housing counselor. Common options include a forbearance (a pause or reduction in payments), a repayment plan, a loan modification (changing your loan terms), or, if you have equity, a refinance. Acting early gives you the most options and can help you avoid foreclosure.

What this means

A "hardship" is anything that makes it hard to pay — a job loss, illness, divorce, a death in the family, reduced income, or rising costs. Lenders have programs for exactly these situations.

The key idea: the earlier you reach out, the better. Waiting until you have missed several payments reduces your options. Help is most effective when you ask before things get worse.

Step by step

Your first two steps

1
Call your loan servicer. This is the company you send your mortgage payment to. Explain your situation and ask what hardship options they offer. They can only help if they know.
2
Talk to a free HUD-approved housing counselor. These nonprofit counselors offer free, trustworthy guidance. You can find them through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). They are not trying to sell you anything.

Common options (explained simply)

OptionWhat it does
ForbearanceTemporarily pauses or lowers your payments
Repayment planSpreads missed payments over future months
Loan modificationPermanently changes your loan terms to lower the payment
Payment deferralMoves missed payments to the end of the loan
RefinanceA new loan, if you have equity and can qualify
Short sale / deed in lieuLast-resort options to avoid foreclosure

See Forbearance vs Refinance to compare two common paths.

Step by step

How it works (step by step)

1
Gather your information. Your loan details and a simple picture of your income and expenses.
2
Contact your servicer early. Ask about hardship programs.
3
Get free counseling. A HUD-approved counselor can explain your choices.
4
Review your options. Forbearance, repayment, modification, or refinance.
5
Choose a path. Pick what fits your situation, with guidance.
6
Follow up in writing. Keep records of all agreements.

California resources

Your loan servicer — the first call to make.
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies — free, nonprofit help locating and applying for programs.
California state housing and consumer agencies — California has offered homeowner assistance and counseling resources; availability changes over time, so confirm what is currently available.

Because programs and funding change, always confirm current options directly with your servicer and a HUD-approved counselor.

Important cautions (please read)

Beware of scams. Never pay upfront fees for a "guaranteed" loan rescue. Legitimate HUD counseling is free.
Do not sign anything you do not understand. Get advice first.
Keep making contact. Even if you cannot pay, staying in touch with your servicer protects your options.
This is not legal or financial advice. For legal questions, consult an attorney; for tax questions, a tax professional.

Benefits of acting early

More options. Early action keeps more doors open.
Possible lower payment. Through modification or other programs.
A chance to avoid foreclosure. Many situations can be worked out.
Free expert help. HUD counselors guide you at no cost.
Peace of mind. A plan reduces stress.

Things to watch (honest notes)

No guarantees. Programs depend on your situation and your servicer.
Credit impact. Some options may affect your credit; ask before deciding.
Funding changes. Assistance programs come and go.
Time matters. The longer you wait, the fewer options you may have.
Good questions

Frequently asked questions

Contact your loan servicer right away and consider speaking with a free HUD-approved housing counselor.

Next steps

Reach out early

The single best step is to reach out early — to your servicer and to a free HUD-approved housing counselor. You have more options than you might think, and free, trustworthy help is available. If your situation has improved and you are exploring whether refinancing makes sense, EZ Online Mortgage is happy to help you understand that option. Whatever your situation, the most important thing is to reach out for support early.

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Keep learning

This page is for education only. It is not legal, financial, or tax advice, and not a promise of approval, assistance, or any outcome. Programs and eligibility change; confirm current options with your loan servicer and a HUD-approved housing counselor. Equal Housing Opportunity · NMLS #362311 · CA DRE #01871814.

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