Forbearance vs. Deferment: Choosing Between Mortgage Relief Options

Let’s be honest, life throws curveballs. A job loss, medical emergency, or unexpected bill can put serious pressure on your monthly budget, especially when a mortgage is involved. If you're struggling to make payments, understanding your options is crucial. And that’s where two relief paths often come into play: forbearance and deferment.

They may sound similar, but they function very differently, and choosing the wrong one could cost you in the long run.

This guide will cut through the jargon, explain each option clearly, and help you make the smartest move for your financial future.

Forbearance pauses payments now, but you’ll need to repay them soon. Deferment moves skipped payments to the end of your loan. Choose based on when you can realistically repay, and get everything in writing.

• Forbearance pauses your mortgage payments temporarily, but repayment comes due later.
• Deferment delays payments by moving them to the end of your loan term.
• Each option has pros and cons depending on your financial goals and loan terms.
• Relief options vary by lender; know your rights and ask the right questions.
• Always confirm any agreement in writing to protect yourself.

Forbearance is a short-term pause or reduction in your monthly mortgage payments, usually granted during financial hardship.

• You don’t have to make full payments for a limited time.
• You must repay the skipped amounts later, often in a lump sum or via a repayment plan.
• Forbearance doesn't erase your debt, it only delays it.

Pro Tip: Always ask your lender how repayment will work before you agree. Some require a full lump sum immediately after the forbearance period ends.

Example: If your monthly mortgage is $1,500 and you enter a 3-month forbearance, that’s $4,500 in deferred payments. Unless you have a clear repayment plan, this could be a financial shock.

Deferment allows you to push missed payments to the end of your loan term, instead of paying them right after the relief period.

• Payments are typically added as a non-interest-bearing balance or balloon payment at the end of your loan.
• Your monthly payment resumes as normal once the deferment period ends.

Real Talk: Deferment is often less financially stressful than forbearance, if your lender offers it.

Heads Up: Not all lenders offer true deferment. Sometimes they’ll call it a deferment but require a balloon payment sooner than expected. Read the fine print.