Is the CARES Act Still in Effect? (2026 Mortgage Update)

Yes and no - the original CARES Act forbearance window is closed, but federally backed mortgages still have relief pathways in 2025.

Why it matters now: You don’t need a pandemic to qualify for help. If you have an FHA, VA, USDA, or GSE-backed loan (Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac), your servicer may still offer

Many homeowners who’ve exited forbearance are turning to Home Equity Relief programs to stabilize their finances. These initiatives allow borrowers to tap into their built-up equity through refinancing or partial claims, helping them consolidate debt or catch up on missed payments while maintaining ownership.

Even though the CARES Act’s emergency provisions expired, federal agencies like HUD, FHA, and the FHFA continue to oversee homeowner relief. Programs such as FHA Partial Claims, Fannie Mae Flex Modification, and USDA Payment Assistance now form the backbone of post-CARES mortgage support.

These programs emphasize long-term affordability and foreclosure prevention instead of short-term forbearance, offering structured repayment or loan modification options through approved servicers.

post‑CARES loss‑mitigation options: temporary pauses, repayment plans, loan modifications, and deferrals. The trick is knowing which option preserves your credit and cash flow.

Further reading: Explore affordability and safety guides for relocation planning:

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Check If You Qualify

• Understand who still qualifies for CARES Act mortgage relief in 2025
• Learn the forbearance and repayment options lenders may offer.
• Discover steps to avoid foreclosure and protect your credit.
• Get trusted resources and tools to take the next step.

Heads up: The original forbearance application window under the CARES Act has closed, but some protections and flexibilities remain - especially for federally backed mortgages.

Here’s what you need to know in 2025:

• FHA, USDA, and Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac loans may still offer post-CARES forbearance options or loan relief programs after CARES to help homeowners manage missed payments.
• Borrowers who entered forbearance before the deadline may still qualify for mortgage forbearance extensions in 2025 or alternative repayment plans.
• Homeowners facing ongoing hardship can explore federal homeowner aid programs through their loan servicers, especially if the mortgage is federally insured or GSE-backed.

Pro Tip: Contact your mortgage servicer and ask about “post-CARES forbearance programs” or “loss mitigation options” to learn what’s available to you.

Forbearance doesn’t erase your payments-it simply pauses them temporarily through options like mortgage forbearance extensions (2025). Once it ends, you’ll need to explore repayment or modification plans that best protect your credit.

Typical repayment options:

• Lump-sum: Pay everything at once (rarely required)
• Repayment plan: Spread payments over time
• Loan modification: Change the loan terms (e.g., lower rate, extend term)

Ask your servicer what’s available and get it in writing.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but here are some steps to take now:

1. Stay in contact with your servicer-they can’t help if they don’t know your situation. Ask about available Mortgage Reinstatement Options, which can help you bring your loan current after a forbearance or missed payments. These plans, often paired with repayment or modification programs, can help you avoid foreclosure and protect your credit standing.
2. Request a hardship review or "borrower assistance package."
3. Check your credit report regularly for errors from forbearance misreporting.
4. Get help from a HUD-approved housing counselor:

Important: Federal law protects borrowers from foreclosure actions during active forbearance or approved assistance programs.

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As federal relief mechanisms evolve beyond CARES, reAlpha Mortgage helps homeowners transition smoothly from temporary aid to long-term financial stability. Whether you’re refinancing after a forbearance or exploring new equity-based solutions, reAlpha aligns with the latest FHA, VA, and GSE guidelines to ensure a seamless recovery path for 2025 homeowners.

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