How To Catch Up On Mortgage Payments

To catch up on mortgage payments, your best move is to contact your mortgage servicer before making random partial payments. Ask for the “loss mitigation” or “home retention” department and request your available catch-up options in writing.

Main ways to catch up

1. Pay the full overdue amount — “reinstatement”

This is the cleanest option if you have the money. You pay all missed payments, late fees, and any allowed costs, and the loan becomes current again.

Ask: “What is my exact reinstatement amount, and what date is it good through?”

2. Repayment plan

This spreads the missed amount over several months. You pay your regular mortgage payment plus extra each month until you are caught up. The CFPB says repayment plans may be available when you can afford a temporarily higher payment. (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau)

Best when: you are behind by one or a few payments and your income is back to normal.

3. Payment deferral

A deferral moves the missed payments to the end of the loan, or makes them due when you sell, refinance, or pay off the mortgage. The CFPB says this may be available when you can resume your regular monthly payment but cannot afford a large catch-up amount right now. (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau)

Best when: you can afford the normal monthly payment again, but not the arrears.

4. Forbearance

Forbearance temporarily pauses or reduces mortgage payments. It does not erase the missed payments, but it can give you breathing room during a short-term hardship. The CFPB describes forbearance as a temporary pause or reduction where the unpaid amount is repaid later. (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau)

Best when: you are still unemployed, recovering from illness, or dealing with a temporary crisis.

5. Loan modification

A modification changes your loan terms to make the payment more affordable. This may involve extending the loan term, adjusting the rate, or adding past-due amounts into the loan. The CFPB says a modification may be appropriate when you cannot afford your regular monthly payment. (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau)

Best when: your income dropped long-term and the current payment is no longer realistic.

What to say when you call

Use this script:

“I’m behind on my mortgage and want to keep my home. I need to apply for all loss mitigation options available to me. Please tell me my total past-due amount, whether foreclosure has been referred, and whether I qualify for a repayment plan, deferral, forbearance, or loan modification.”

Then ask them to send the application or upload link.

Documents you may need

Most servicers will ask for proof of income, bank statements, a hardship letter, tax returns or W-2s, a monthly budget, and information about expenses. A HUD-approved housing counselor can help you prepare the application and negotiate with your servicer. HUD says housing counseling is free or very low-cost, and counselors can help organize finances and work with the lender. (HUD)

Avoid these mistakes

Do not ignore letters from the lender.
Do not send money to a third party unless your servicer confirms it in writing.
Do not pay upfront fees to foreclosure “rescue” companies. HUD warns that many paid foreclosure-prevention companies charge for help that your servicer or a HUD-approved counselor can provide for free. (HUD)

Best order to try

First, ask for the exact amount needed to become current.
Second, ask whether a repayment plan or deferral is available.
Third, apply for forbearance or loan modification if you cannot afford the normal payment.
Fourth, contact a HUD-approved housing counselor at 800-569-4287 for help reviewing your options. (HUD)