How to Find State Assistance to Prevent Foreclosure

State governments offer several ways to help you get your mortgage payments back on track after you've fallen behind. One of the first things you can do to prevent foreclosure is find state assistance when you are faced with losing your home.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Proof of income
• Monthly budget

1. Contact the Department of Housing and Urban Development. One of the main responsibilities of HUD is to help homeowners who are faced with losing their homes. Go to the HUD website (see Additional Resources below) for information about how to contact local HUD offices.

2. Seek the assistance of the Urban League. This non-profit organization offers counseling and assistance to help homeowners at risk of foreclosure. Go to the Urban League website (see Additional Resources below) to find your local chapter.

3. Call your state's Attorney General's Office. Many states now offer programs to help borrowers negotiate with their lenders to help the homeowner get current on mortgage payments. Visit the National Association of Attorneys General website (see Additional Resources below) to find out how to contact the attorney general in your state.

4. Apply for state aid through a Family Independence Agency office. Apply for aid such as food stamps and energy cost assistance programs to allow you to apply more of your money toward mortgage payments.

Tips & Warnings

• Have your proof of income and an affordable monthly budget on hand when you are attempting to find state assistance to prevent foreclosure. The representatives will request this information when you apply for assistance.
• Your lender has options that may help prevent foreclosure. Always speak to your lender first.

Resources

• Learn how to contact your local HUD office.
• Find your local Urban League contact information.
• Learn how to contact your state's attorney general.