Help with mortgage payments and arrears

By Editorial team · Updated 18 September 2026 · Applies to England

In short

If you are struggling with your housing costs, you can look for help with mortgage payments by speaking to your lender early. There are various support options and government schemes that might assist you. Free debt advice can also help you protect your home.

Support options if you cannot pay your mortgage

Finding yourself unable to cover your housing costs can feel very stressful, but there is help with mortgage payments available if you act quickly. This applies to England. You might feel worried about opening letters or answering calls from the company you borrowed money from. However, ignoring the issue will only make things harder. You can explore different ways to manage your money and protect your property before things get worse.

Check your household budget to see where your money goes each month
Look at your savings to see if you can cover shortfalls temporarily
Contact your lender before you miss a payment to discuss your worries

Talking to your lender about payment holidays

Your lender wants to work with you if you run into money trouble. Letting them know about your situation early can open up flexible choices. They might offer a temporary break or a change to how you pay off your borrowing.

Gather your income and expense details before you call them
Explain clearly why you are struggling to make payments right now
Ask what options they have for temporary payment reductions

Government schemes for help with mortgage payments

You might wonder if public support can assist with your housing costs. While direct help is limited, you can check GOV.UK or speak to the DWP to see what benefits might boost your income. Boosting your monthly income can make it easier to manage your borrowing commitments. You can also use online tools to check if you qualify for extra financial assistance.

Check eligibility for working-age benefits on GOV.UK
Look into support for disabled individuals if applicable to your household
Use online calculators to check potential awards and help with housing

Avoiding repossession and getting free debt advice

Facing the loss of your home is a frightening prospect, but professional guidance is out there. Independent debt charities offer free and confidential support to help you deal with mortgage arrears. They can talk to your lender on your behalf and help you find a sustainable path forward without judgment.

Contact a free debt advice charity online or by phone
Get advice before taking out any new loans to pay old ones
Check with your local council if you need urgent housing guidance

Common questions

Can my lender force me to sell my home immediately?

Lenders must follow strict legal rules and court processes before they can repossess a property, which usually takes time.

Where can I find free debt advice?

Several independent charities offer free, confidential advice on managing debt and dealing with mortgage arrears.

Will contacting my lender ruin my credit score?

Asking for help early is viewed more positively than missing payments without telling them, though some arrangements may be noted on your file.

Can benefits help pay my housing costs?

Certain welfare benefits can increase your overall household income, which may help you manage your regular bills.

Who wrote this: Our editorial team, with AI assistance, from the official pages listed on this page. It was checked automatically for unsupported figures and copied text, but it has not yet been read by a person. If something looks wrong, please tell us.
Not advice: This is general information for England. What you can get depends on your circumstances — check with the organisation that runs the scheme before you act.