VA loan delinquency assistance for veterans can help save a home in danger of being foreclosed upon. Missing a mortgage payment is a serious problem, but it’s also one that can be fixed long before a home winds up in the foreclosure process.
You do not have to deal with financial difficulties alone; help is available from both the lender and the Department of Veterans Affairs for those with VA mortgage loans to protect the home and save it from being foreclosed upon.
VA Loan Payment Requirements
A VA loan is a valuable benefit, but it still functions like any other mortgage. Payments are expected on time each month, and missing one can quickly lead to more serious consequences if not addressed.
If you fall behind, the most important step is to contact your mortgage servicer immediately. Acting early gives you the most flexibility and the best chance to avoid long-term damage.
What Happens If You Miss a Payment
30–36 Days Late
- Your servicer may report the missed payment to credit bureaus
- Your credit score may be impacted
- You should reach out to your servicer to discuss options
Around 45 Days Late
- Your servicer is required to attempt live contact
- You will begin receiving information about loss mitigation options
- Delaying action at this stage can limit your choices
Around 60 Days Late
- The VA may assign a loan technician to your case
- You can also contact the VA directly for help before this point
120+ Days Late
- Your servicer may begin the foreclosure process
- Immediate action is critical to avoid losing your home
While every servicer handles delinquency a bit differently, the general pattern is the same: the longer you wait, the fewer options you will have.
You do not have to navigate this alone. Both your servicer and the VA offer assistance, which we will cover next.
Get Help From the VA to Avoid Foreclosure
If you’re struggling to make your mortgage payments, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers support to help you avoid foreclosure.
The VA provides free financial counseling to veterans, active-duty service members and some surviving spouses. In some cases, this help may be available even if your mortgage is not a VA loan.
If you have a VA loan, you can request that the VA assign a loan technician to your case. A loan technician can help you understand your options and work with your mortgage servicer to find a solution.
You may be assigned a VA loan technician automatically once your loan becomes significantly delinquent, typically around 60 days past due. However, you should not wait for this to happen. Reaching out early gives you more options and a better chance of avoiding foreclosure.
Call the VA at 877-827-3702 to speak with a loan technician.
Available Options to Help With Delayed Mortgage Payments
If you fall behind on your VA loan, your mortgage servicer may offer several options to help you avoid foreclosure and get back on track.
Repayment Plan
A repayment plan allows you to catch up on missed payments over time by adding a portion of what you owe to your regular monthly payment. This is typically used when your financial setback is temporary and you can afford a slightly higher payment moving forward.
Forbearance
Forbearance temporarily pauses or reduces your monthly payments. This can give you time to recover from a financial hardship such as job loss, illness or a reduction in income. At the end of the forbearance period, you will need to repay the missed amount through a repayment plan or other arrangement.
Loan Modification
A loan modification changes the terms of your existing loan to make payments more manageable. This may include adding missed payments to your loan balance, extending the loan term or adjusting the interest rate. Unlike refinancing, you keep your current loan but with updated terms.
The earlier you take action, the more likely you are to qualify for these options. Waiting too long can limit what your servicer is able to offer.
If You Cannot Keep the Home
If keeping the home is no longer realistic, there are still ways to avoid foreclosure and reduce the financial impact:
- Sell your home: You may be able to sell the property and pay off the loan, often with your servicer’s approval to delay foreclosure proceedings.
- Short sale: If your home is worth less than what you owe, your servicer may agree to accept less than the full loan balance and consider the debt satisfied.
- Deed in lieu of foreclosure: You transfer ownership of the home to the lender to settle the debt and avoid going through the foreclosure process.
Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase (VASP) Program
The Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase (VASP) program is designed to help VA borrowers who are seriously delinquent on their mortgages and at risk of foreclosure.
Through this program, the VA may purchase certain delinquent VA loans from mortgage servicers and then modify them into more affordable payment structures. This can help stabilize payments and give borrowers a path to keep their homes.
VASP is generally considered after other loss mitigation options, such as repayment plans or loan modifications, have been explored.
Borrowers cannot apply for VASP directly. Your mortgage servicer will review your situation and determine whether you may be eligible.
If you are struggling with your mortgage or having trouble working with your servicer, you can contact the VA at 877-827-3702 for additional guidance.
Final Thoughts
Falling behind on your mortgage can feel overwhelming, but VA loan borrowers have more support than many homeowners realize. Between your mortgage servicer and the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are several ways to get back on track, including repayment plans, forbearance, and loan modifications.
The most important step is to act early. The sooner you reach out for help, the more options you are likely to have. If you’re struggling to make your payments, contact your mortgage servicer and the VA as soon as possible. You can reach the VA at 877-827-3702 to speak with a loan technician and get help.
Your military benefits make homeownership more affordable—$0 down, no PMI, and lower average rates whether you’re buying or refinancing. See if you're eligible today.
