Senior Foreclosure Help in California
You've Worked Your Whole Life for This Home
You shouldn't lose it now. California has programs and protections specifically for seniors facing foreclosure. Let's explore your options together.
If you're a senior homeowner in California facing foreclosure, know this: you have options, and people want to help you. Whether you're struggling with a traditional mortgage, reverse mortgage issues, or property tax problems, there are programs designed specifically for situations like yours.
This guide will walk you through everything in clear, simple terms. And if you have family helping you navigate this, there's information for them too.
Common Reasons Seniors Face Foreclosure
You're not alone, and there's no shame in this situation. Here's what brings many seniors to this point:
- Fixed income not keeping up with costs: Social Security and pensions don't increase like property taxes and insurance
- Loss of a spouse: Losing the income and help of a partner
- Medical expenses: Healthcare costs consuming retirement savings
- Reverse mortgage issues: Property tax or insurance defaults
- Predatory lending: Being talked into loans you didn't fully understand
- Scam victimization: Seniors are often targeted by financial scammers
Programs That Can Help California Seniors
California Mortgage Relief
Up to $80,000 in assistance for eligible homeowners. Can cover past-due payments and bring your mortgage current.
Senior Property Tax Postponement
California seniors 62+ with household income under $49,017 can postpone property taxes until they sell or move.
Loan Modification
Permanently reduce your monthly payment through lower rates or extended terms. Your servicer must evaluate you for this.
Free Legal Aid
Legal aid organizations provide free representation to qualifying seniors. They can negotiate with lenders on your behalf.
HUD-Approved Housing Counselors
Free help from trained counselors who work for YOU, not the bank.
1-800-569-4287Available in multiple languages
If You Have a Reverse Mortgage
Reverse mortgages (HECMs) eliminate monthly mortgage payments, but you can still face foreclosure if you don't:
- Pay your property taxes
- Keep homeowner's insurance current
- Maintain the property
- Live in the home as your primary residence
Reverse Mortgage Warning Signs
If you've received letters about property tax defaults or insurance lapses, act immediately. HUD requires servicers to work with you on solutions before foreclosure, but you must respond to their communications.
Reverse Mortgage Help Options
- Property charge payment plan: Catch up on taxes/insurance over time
- California Property Tax Postponement: Defer taxes until you sell
- At-risk extension: More time if you're actively working on a solution
- Sale before foreclosure: Keep any equity above what you owe
If Your Spouse Passed Away
Losing your spouse is devastating. Losing your home on top of that shouldn't happen. Here's what you need to know:
- You cannot be foreclosed on simply because your spouse died - this is federal law
- You can assume the mortgage even without qualifying traditionally
- Request to be added as a "successor in interest" with your servicer
- You may qualify for loan modification based on your current income
Contact your loan servicer immediately after your spouse's death. Tell them you're the surviving spouse and want to keep the home. Request information about your successor-in-interest rights.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
Beware of "Foreclosure Rescue" Scams
Scammers target seniors facing foreclosure. Never pay upfront fees for foreclosure help. Never sign over your deed. Never make payments to anyone other than your official servicer. Legitimate housing counselors are free (HUD-approved). When in doubt, call the HUD hotline: 1-800-569-4287.
Your California Protections
California law provides important protections for all homeowners, with extra consideration for seniors:
- Single Point of Contact: One person at your servicer who knows your case
- Modification Review Required: Must be evaluated before foreclosure proceeds
- No Dual Tracking: Can't foreclose while your modification is under review
- Elder Abuse Laws: Legal recourse if you were deceived into a predatory loan
- Court Consideration: Judges may give extra weight to senior housing stability in eviction cases
For Family Members Helping an Elderly Parent
If you're helping an elderly parent navigate foreclosure, here's your action plan:
- Get authorized: Have your parent add you to their mortgage account or get power of attorney if needed
- Gather documents: Find mortgage statements, tax bills, any foreclosure notices
- Call together: Schedule a call with a HUD counselor (1-800-569-4287) with your parent
- Watch for exploitation: Review any recent financial decisions for signs of scams
- Consider options: Would your parent be better off living closer to family? Would you be able to help with payments?
- Act quickly: Foreclosure timelines don't wait for families to make decisions
Report elder financial abuse: Adult Protective Services: 1-833-401-0832
Senior Foreclosure Checklist
- Call HUD counselor: 1-800-569-4287 (FREE)
- Check if you qualify for California Mortgage Relief Program
- Apply for Senior Property Tax Postponement if behind on taxes
- Request loan modification evaluation from your servicer
- Contact local Legal Aid for free representation
- Review all recent financial decisions for potential scams
- Gather important documents (mortgage, taxes, income)
- Don't ignore any mail from your servicer
Senior-Specific Resources
California Mortgage Relief Program
Up to $80,000 in assistance for eligible homeowners.
camortgagerelief.orgLegal Aid for Seniors
Free legal help for California seniors on housing issues.
1-800-222-1753California State Bar Lawyer Referral Service
Senior Property Tax Postponement
California State Controller's Office program for seniors 62+.
1-800-952-5661Need Someone to Walk You Through Your Options?
We understand this is overwhelming. We've helped many seniors and their families navigate these difficult decisions. Call us for a free, no-pressure conversation about your situation.
Call (949) 565-5285Free, confidential consultation
You Deserve Peace in Your Home
After a lifetime of work, you deserve to feel secure. Financial trouble in your senior years isn't a moral failing - it's often a consequence of circumstances beyond your control: rising costs, health issues, or simply outliving your savings.
There are people and programs that want to help. The first step is reaching out. Whether you call a HUD counselor, a legal aid organization, or us - just make that first call. You don't have to figure this out alone.