Support with mortgage debt or arrears

If you are struggling to meet your mortgage payments, there is support and advice available to you.

The National Debtline has detailed guidance on mortgage arrears.

Citizen’s Advice UK also has a detailed section for support available to those struggling to pay their mortgages.

Mortgage Charter principles to help people who are struggling

The government’s new Mortgage Charter is a set of principles agreed by major UK lenders to provide flexibility for those who are struggling with their mortgage payments.

Depending on your circumstances, your lender may agree to support customers struggling with their mortgage payments which could include:

extending a mortgage term to reduce payments
a temporary switch to interest-only payments
a temporary reduction in payment (including zero payment if appropriate)
a part interest-part repayment plan

Banks and lenders who have signed up to the Mortgage Charter have also agreed that for customers from:

26 June 2023, you will not be forced to leave your home without your consent unless in exceptional circumstances, in less than a year from a first missed payment
10 July 2023 customers approaching the end of a fixed rate deal will have the chance to lock in a deal up to six months ahead. They will also be able to manage their new deal and request a better like-for-like deal with their lender right up until their new term starts if one is available

You can check if your lender has signed up to the Mortgage Charter and see the full range of support that is available under the charter.

Contact the National Debtline if you are concerned that your lender is signed up to, but not following the mortgage charter for advice.

Breathing space to get debt advice and find a solution

If you’re in mortgage arrears or you need time to get debt advice and find a debt solution, you may want to consider applying for breathing space.

Breathing space will stop most types of enforcement and also stop most creditors from applying interest and charges for 60 days.

The National Debtline has detailed information on breathing space.

Support for mortgage interest loans

Support for mortgage interest (SMI) is a loan from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to help pay towards the interest on your mortgage or another home loan. You might also get help with other loans for service charges or repairs.

You might get SMI if you own your home or you’re in a shared ownership scheme.

You need to be getting one of these benefits:

income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Income Support
Universal Credit
Pension Credit

It’s important to get advice from Citizens Advice before deciding to apply for support for mortgage interest, particularly if you have other loans or debts.

If you need more advice on mortgage arrears or debt

Citizens Advice Southwark can provide advice and support for paying your mortgage or if you are experiencing debt.

Other organisations have free helplines and advice that can help if you’re struggling with mortgage arrears or other debts:

Help with more affordable ways of borrowing money

If you think you need to take out a loan, there are safer alternatives to payday loans and high-interest credit cards.

London Mutual Credit Union may be able to offer credit at a more affordable cost

Page last updated: 23 November 2023

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