This page is the forbearance exit & repayment guide — it focuses on what happens after the pause ends and how the missed payments may be resolved. For what forbearance is and how to enter it, start with our primary mortgage forbearance overview.
New to forbearance? See the primary mortgage forbearance page for what it is, how to request it, and what happens during the forbearance period.
When forbearance ends, the missed payments still have to be addressed. It's not loan forgiveness — the paused amounts are repaid or resolved through one of several exit paths. This guide covers those options, plus how to work with your servicer on a plan before the period runs out. For a side-by-side view of these options alongside other foreclosure alternatives, see mortgage workout options.
No negative credit reporting during the forbearance period
No late fees accrue on the paused payments
No foreclosure proceedings during the forbearance period
Available for most loan types (FHA, VA, USDA, conventional, jumbo)
Can be requested multiple times if hardship continues
You generally qualify if you're experiencing a financial hardship such as: job loss or reduced income, medical emergency or illness, natural disaster affecting your home or income, death of a co-borrower or family member, divorce or separation, or other circumstances that temporarily affect your ability to pay. You don't need to be behind on payments to request forbearance — you can request it proactively if you see a hardship coming. Documentation requirements vary by loan type and servicer, but most require a hardship statement and may require proof of income reduction.
| Option | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Lump Sum Repayment | Pay all missed payments at once when forbearance ends | Borrowers with a known near-term cash influx |
| Repayment Plan | Spread missed payments over 3-12 months on top of regular payment | Most common. Manageable increases. |
| Payment Deferral | Move missed payments to the end of the loan | Best option — no increase in monthly payment |
| Loan Modification | Permanently change loan terms to make payments affordable | Long-term hardship, need permanently lower payment |
| Partial Claim (FHA) | HUD advances a no-interest loan to cover missed payments | FHA borrowers who qualify |
Important: Forbearance is not automatic forgiveness. The missed payments must be repaid. Know your exit strategy before entering forbearance — ask your servicer about repayment options upfront. For most borrowers, a payment deferral (moving missed amounts to the end of the loan) is the best outcome: resume your normal payment with no increase.