After a hurricane, the stress of dealing with damages is overwhelming—and so is keeping up with mortgage payments. Fortunately, if your mortgage is backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), there are programs available to provide relief. However, homeowners must take the first step by contacting their mortgage servicer. How to Find Out Who Owns Your Mortgage The majority of U.S. mortgages are backed by either Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, or FHA. If you’re unsure who owns your loan, start by reaching out to the company that you make your payments to, known as your mortgage servicer. You can also use online tools to check whether Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac owns your mortgage: Fannie Mae’s Lookup Tool Freddie Mac’s Lookup Tool Mortgage Relief Options After a Disaster Each program offers different forms of assistance, but they all aim to ease the burden on homeowners affected by a disaster. For example, Freddie Mac provides up to 12 months of mortgage forbearance—a temporary pause in payments—without late fees or penalties. Here are the common options available: Reinstatement: This option allows homeowners to make a one-time lump-sum payment to bring their loan current. While this is not required, it’s the quickest way to get back on track if financially possible. Repayment Plan: Homeowners can gradually catch up on missed payments by paying a little extra each month, alongside their regular mortgage payment. Payment Deferral: If homeowners can resume their regular payments, any missed payments are moved to the end of the mortgage term. This option doesn't add interest or penalties. Loan Modification: For homeowners facing a longer-term financial hardship, loan modification reduces the monthly mortgage payment to an affordable amount. Relief for Disaster Zones and Beyond These disaster-relief programs are automatically available to homeowners in FEMA-declared disaster areas. However, even if your home is outside of a designated zone, you may still be eligible for assistance if the hurricane caused significant damage that impacts your ability to make mortgage payments. While you’re in a forbearance plan, foreclosure proceedings and other legal actions are paused, giving you the time to recover and work through your financial situation. Next Steps for Homeowners If you’ve been affected by a hurricane, it’s important to act quickly. Contact your mortgage servicer to discuss the available relief options and start the process as soon as possible. Freddie Mac  Fannie Mae FHA  Being proactive can provide the breathing room you need to recover from the disaster and manage your mortgage payments without additional stress.