Free help
HUD-approved housing counselors
Free or low-cost, many speak Spanish. They can review your budget and help you talk to your servicer.
- HUD Housing Counselor Locator · 800-569-4287
- CFPB – Find a housing counselor
State programs (verified Oct 2026)
- CalAssist Mortgage Fund (CalHFA) — for homeowners whose primary home was destroyed or made uninhabitable by a qualifying disaster (including the 2025 LA fires). Up to 12 months of payments, not repaid. Applications close Nov 2, 2026. 800-501-0019.
- The California Mortgage Relief Program is closed (no longer accepting applications).
Free legal aid
- Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (Los Angeles County)
- Public Law Center (Orange County)
- Inland Counties Legal Services (Riverside / San Bernardino)
- California Rural Legal Assistance (incl. Ventura County offices)
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of CA
⚠ Scam warning
- It is illegal in California to charge upfront fees for a loan modification (Civil Code § 2944.7). Never pay anyone before the work is done.
- Never sign over your deed or title to someone who promises to 'save' your home.
- Never send mortgage payments to anyone other than your servicer.
- Be wary of 'guarantees,' pressure to act today, or anyone who tells you to stop talking to your lender.
- Check licenses: CA Department of Real Estate · State Bar of California