Financial Hardship Letter Template
Explain a change in your finances and ask your lender or servicer to review an affordable relief option. Customize your free draft, copy the text, or print and save as PDF.
No sign-up. This form does not send or save your entries to our server. Use a reference or last four digits instead of a full account number. Review bracketed placeholders before sending.
[Your name]
[Your mailing address]
October 20, 2026
[Recipient name]
[Recipient mailing address]
Re: Financial Hardship Letter — [Account reference / last 4 digits]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am requesting a hardship review for account [Account reference / last 4 digits]. My financial circumstances changed as follows: [What changed and when].
I request consideration of [Relief you are requesting]. Based on my present budget, I estimate I can afford [Affordable monthly payment] per month. Please let me know what options are available and what documentation you need.
My expected recovery or next review point is: [Expected recovery or next review date].
Please confirm any proposed terms in writing, including the payment amount, duration, interest and fees, treatment of missed payments, and any credit reporting effects. I understand that my existing terms remain in place unless we agree otherwise.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Use your browser’s print dialog to save a PDF. Nothing is sent to the recipient by this tool.
How to use this letter
- Describe the hardship, when it began, and how it affects income or expenses.
- Ask for specific relief without promising payments you cannot sustain.
- Contact the lender’s hardship team and supply its required application and documents.
Financial Hardship Letter sample wording
The live preview above adds your contact details, account reference, date, and signature lines. Replace every bracketed placeholder and review the wording for your situation.
I am requesting a hardship review for account [Account reference / last 4 digits]. My financial circumstances changed as follows: [What changed and when].
I request consideration of [Relief you are requesting]. Based on my present budget, I estimate I can afford [Affordable monthly payment] per month. Please let me know what options are available and what documentation you need.
My expected recovery or next review point is: [Expected recovery or next review date].
Please confirm any proposed terms in writing, including the payment amount, duration, interest and fees, treatment of missed payments, and any credit reporting effects. I understand that my existing terms remain in place unless we agree otherwise.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this as a mortgage hardship letter?
Yes, as a starting draft to your mortgage servicer. Ask whether a complete loss mitigation application or a specific form is required.
Does sending this stop payments?
No. Sending a letter alone does not change your contract or stop collection or foreclosure.
What records should I attach?
The lender may request income records, a budget, or evidence of the hardship. Send copies through a verified secure channel and keep the originals.
Source and related tools
CFPB: Mortgage repayment plansReviewed October 19, 2026. General U.S. information, not legal or financial advice. Requirements vary by state, account type, and circumstances. A letter does not extend a court deadline.