1
Call your loan servicer right away
Don't wait until you miss a payment. Call your servicer and explain your hardship. Ask about forbearance options. The sooner you call, the more options you'll have.
Forbearance Agreement Options
Need a Break From Mortgage Payments? What Forbearance Really Means
Understand how mortgage forbearance works in PA. Learn what happens when payments pause, what's due after, and if it's right for you.
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What It Is
Forbearance is when your lender agrees to pause or reduce your mortgage payments for a set time. It gives you breathing room during a hardship like job loss, illness, or a natural disaster. But here's the catch: you still owe all the money. It doesn't go away. You'll have to pay it back later.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Gives you immediate relief from monthly payments
- Stops the lender from starting foreclosure while it's active
- You don't need to move out of your home
- Can buy time to find a job or get back on your feet
Cons
- You still owe every dollar that was paused
- When it ends, you may owe a large lump sum or higher payments
- It shows up on your credit report as forbearance
Best for
Homeowners going through a short-term hardship (job loss, medical issue, temporary income drop) who expect to be able to resume payments within a few months.
Typical timeline
3-12 months
from start to finish
How the process works
2
Understand the repayment terms before you agree
Ask your servicer exactly how you'll repay the paused payments. There are three common options: pay it all back in a lump sum, spread it over several months on top of your normal payment, or add the amount to the end of your loan. Make sure you can handle the repayment plan before you sign.
3
Get the agreement in writing
Don't rely on a phone call. Get a written agreement that shows your forbearance start date, end date, the total amount being paused, and how you'll repay it. Keep a copy for your records.
4
Plan for what comes after
Use the breathing room wisely. Look into loan modification, refinancing, or selling your home if you don't think you'll be able to resume full payments. A HUD counselor (800-569-4287) can help you plan for free.
Not sure which option is right for you?
Compare all 5 homeowner optionsFrequently Asked Questions
What happens after forbearance ends?
You have to start paying your mortgage again, plus repay the paused amount. Your servicer should offer you a repayment plan. If you can't afford the repayment, ask about a loan modification. Don't just ignore it, because the lender can start foreclosure once forbearance ends.
Is COVID forbearance still available in PA?
The federal COVID forbearance programs for government-backed loans (FHA, VA, USDA) have mostly ended. But if you're still struggling, your servicer may have their own forbearance or hardship programs. Call them and ask. You can also reach PHFA at 800-822-1174 for help with Pennsylvania-specific programs.
What's the difference between forbearance and loan modification?
Forbearance pauses your payments temporarily but doesn't change your loan. You still owe the same amount. A loan modification permanently changes your loan terms, like lowering your interest rate or extending your repayment period. Many people start with forbearance and then move to a modification.
Will forbearance stop a foreclosure?
If your lender agrees to forbearance, they typically pause the foreclosure process while it's active. But once forbearance ends, if you can't make payments, the foreclosure can start again. It buys you time, not a permanent fix.
Related situations
These are common situations where homeowners explore this option.
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