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Hardship Type

What caused your financial hardship?

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Timeline

When did this hardship begin?

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Servicer

Who is your mortgage servicer?

Your servicer is the company you send your mortgage payment to. It may be different from the company that gave you the loan.

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Loan Details

What is your loan number?

Optional — including it helps your servicer locate your account. You'll find it on your mortgage statement.

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Request

What are you asking your servicer for?

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Your Situation

Briefly describe what happened

Two to three sentences about your situation. This becomes the heart of your letter.

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Why You Need a Hardship Letter

When you apply for forbearance, a loan modification, or any other loss mitigation option, your mortgage servicer will ask for a hardship letter. It's your chance to explain — in your own words — what happened, how it affected your ability to pay, and what you're asking for.

A clear, professional letter can make the difference between approval and denial. Servicers process thousands of applications. Letters that are specific, honest, and well-organized get better results.

This tool walks you through six questions and generates a letter template you can customize and send. It follows the format recommended by HUD-approved housing counselors.

What to Send With Your Letter

Your hardship letter is one part of a complete loss mitigation application. Most servicers also require:

  • Pay stubs — last 30 days of income for all borrowers
  • Bank statements — 2 to 3 months, all accounts
  • Tax returns — last 2 years (1040 with all schedules)
  • Proof of hardship — layoff notice, medical bills, divorce decree, or other documentation
  • Financial worksheet — your servicer's form or our DTI calculator

Under Regulation X, your servicer must acknowledge your complete application within 5 business days and evaluate you for all available options before proceeding with foreclosure.

Want a professional to review your situation?

A HUD counselor, attorney, or listing agent can help — many at no cost.

Thank you. A local professional will be in touch. In the meantime, visit our free directory to find HUD-approved counselors and legal aid near you.

We connect you with HUD-approved counselors, legal aid, and state housing agencies. We do not sell your information.

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If this affects you, free help is available. Behind on mortgage? · Short sale guide · Bankruptcy guide · Find a housing counselor · Browse the Glossary · HUD-approved housing counselors are free (1-800-569-4287).