Disaster Relief and Mortgage Assistance FAQ

Picking up the pieces after a natural disaster can be overwhelming. If your home is impacted by a natural disaster, it is important to know about mortgage relief options.

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about disaster relief and mortgage assistance programs.

How can I get assistance with my mortgage?

If your home or place of employment has been impacted by a natural disaster and your mortgage is owned by Freddie Mac, contact your mortgage company to discuss your mortgage relief options.

To find out if your mortgage is owned by Freddie Mac visit, our self-service Loan Look-up Tool to determine if we own your loan.

Are there specific requirements I must meet to get mortgage relief?

If your home or place of employment is located in a federally declared disaster area that's been identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as being eligible for individual assistance and Freddie Mac owns your mortgage, you may be eligible for mortgage relief that will allow you to suspend your mortgage payments through forbearance for up to 12 months.

If you have been impacted by a storm or disaster that does not fall under our eligible disaster policy (which includes insured losses and instances when your home or place of employment is located in a federally declared disaster area with individual assistance), contact your mortgage servicer, because you may be eligible for our standard assistance options, which also could include forbearance and loan modifications.

My home was impacted by a natural disaster and my mortgage company told me I'm eligible for a forbearance. What is "forbearance"?

A forbearance is intended to help those facing a short-term hardship to allow them to get back on their feet. A forbearance temporarily reduces or suspends your mortgage payments.

During a forbearance period, your mortgage company may not assess late fees.

How long does a forbearance period last?

Your mortgage company is authorized to initially offer a 90-day forbearance plan, and this may be extended up to 12 months. Please remember to stay in contact with your mortgage company to ensure you receive the right length of forbearance for your situation.

What happens when my mortgage relief period ends?

When disaster forbearance ends, your options may vary depending on your loan servicer. For instance, if your loan is serviced by Freddie Mac, the available options will depend on whether you’re still affected by the disaster that triggered your forbearance period.

These options allow you to re-establish your mortgage payments when your financial situation has stabilized.

• Lump sum payment. If you are able, you can repay the missed payments to your servicer in one lump sum payment that covers the total amount owed.
• Repayment plan. If you are able to resume your monthly payments in addition to making up missed payments, you may be able to work out a repayment plan with your servicer. This could result in a higher monthly payment until you have fully repaid your missed payments.
• Payment deferral. If you are able to resume making your regular monthly payment, but unable to take on the increased monthly payment of a repayment plan, a payment deferral will bring you immediately current on your mortgage. Any missed payments from your forbearance period will be set aside and will be due when the loan pays off or at the end of the mortgage term, without penalties or additional interest.
• Mortgage modification. If you are able to resume making a monthly mortgage payment, but not able to cover an increased amount for a repayment plan or the same amount you were paying prior to the disaster, you may be eligible for a mortgage modification. This can lower your monthly payment by permanently changing one or more terms of your mortgage.

You should remain in contact with your loan servicer throughout the disaster forbearance period to discuss your options before the period ends, but no later than one month before the end of your forbearance period. In any scenario, your servicer will work with you to determine your eligibility for different repayment options and help you find the best path forward.

Who can I call for help with temporary housing, food and financial assistance?

There are many organizations you can contact to help you with your recovery, including the Homeowner's HOPE hotline at (888) 995-HOPE.

Where can I find resources for additional assistance?

• Disaster Assistance Improvement Program (DAIP)
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• American Red Cross

Freddie Mac has mortgage relief options for those affected by natural disasters. Remember, if you’ve been impacted by a disaster, your first step is to call your loan servicer for help.