Need Help?

If you're worried about losing your home, drowning in debt, or just falling behind — start here. Everything is free. No ads, no paywalls, no judgment. The latest default rate data shows distress rising across multiple loan types, and financial hardship indicators confirm roughly a third of households have no meaningful buffer — you're not alone. Take the Exposure Check to see how your situation compares to national averages.

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Free help is available right now. A HUD-approved counselor can review your situation, talk to your lender for you, and help you figure out your options — at no cost. Find one near you, call 1-800-569-4287, or dial 211 for local emergency resources.

Quick Assessment

Not sure where to start?

Four quick questions. We'll point you to the most relevant guides.

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Are you worried about keeping up with housing payments?

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Are bills or debts piling up?

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How are everyday costs affecting you?

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How secure do you feel about your income?

Foreclosure

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Foreclosure Laws by State

How long do you have? What are your rights? Look up your state's foreclosure rules — timelines, protections, and free legal resources.

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Facing Foreclosure?

You have more options than you think. Step-by-step guide to the process, your rights, and what to do right now.

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Behind on Payments?

Missed a payment — or about to? Here's what to do before foreclosure starts. Forbearance, modification, and emergency programs.

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Short Sales

Owe more than your home is worth? A short sale might be a better exit than foreclosure. How it works, what it costs you.

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Debt & Bankruptcy

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Should I File Bankruptcy?

It's a legal tool, not a moral failure. Chapter 7 vs. 13, the automatic stay, and when filing is the right call.

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Dealing With Debt Collectors

They have rules. You have rights. What collectors can't do, how to dispute, and how to make them stop calling.

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Tools & Worksheets

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All Free Tools

Hardship letter generator, foreclosure timeline calculator, servicer report card, financial worksheet, and more.

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Financial Exposure Check

A 6-question assessment that maps your household financial stress to the same five dimensions the ADI tracks.

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Data & Research

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Statistics & Data

The latest numbers on foreclosures, consumer debt, bankruptcy, and more. Every figure sourced and updated.

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All 85+ Indicators

The economic data behind the American Distress Index — savings, debt, housing costs, and labor markets.

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Protect yourself from scams

People in financial distress are prime targets for fraud. Know these rules:

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Never pay an upfront fee for help. Advance fees for mortgage or debt assistance are illegal in most states. If anyone asks for money before doing anything, walk away.
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HUD-approved counseling is always free. Call 1-800-569-4287 or visit the CFPB counselor finder. If someone charges for what HUD counselors do for free, it's a scam.
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Never sign over your deed without an attorney. "Equity stripping" and "sale-leaseback" scams trick homeowners into transferring their title. You could lose your home permanently.

Report fraud: CFPB · FTC · your state attorney general's office.

Ross Kilburn, creator of American Default

Who made this

Ross Kilburn

I built American Default to track household financial distress with public data — and to make sure the people behind the numbers can find real help. Every guide on this site is written in plain English, sourced from federal agencies, and free to use. No ads, no paywalls, no data sold.

About this project · Our methodology

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If you're struggling with debt or facing foreclosure, free help is available. Find help near you · Browse the Glossary · The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides HUD-approved housing counselors at no cost. You can also call 1-800-569-4287.