 TITLE: How Long Does a Late Mortgage Payment Affect Your Credit? CONTENT: How to Avoid Missing Mortgage Payments\n--------------------------------------\nTo avoid the penalties that accompany missed mortgage payments, follow these four tips to help keep yourself on track:\n1.  Set up alerts and reminders. If you're the forgetful type, calendar notifications can be a useful reminder that your mortgage payment is due.\n2.  Arrange automatic payments. Just be sure you'll have enough money in your bank account each month to cover the payment. You may be able to set up automatic payments through either your bank or your lender, so be sure to first explore which option works best for you.\n3.  Stay connected. If your lender has an app, download it so you can more easily track and pay your mortgage.\n4.  Look for help if you need it. If you missed a payment because you're struggling financially, mortgage relief programs and other options are available to help. Ask your lender if it offers forbearance, which could enable you to make temporarily reduced payments or to pause payments altogether if you're dealing with a hardship such as job loss. You might also qualify for a loan modification program that may, for instance, lower the interest rate or extend the period for paying off the loan. That could lead to more manageable monthly payments. If you're still not sure what to do, contact a local housing counselor. You can find one in your area by visiting the website of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).\nIn the wake of widespread financial instability caused by the coronavirus pandemic, mortgage lenders and the government are offering assistance to those affected, including foreclosure protection. Learn more about what's available here. END