How the CARES Act Impacts Mortgage Borrowers in 2025? | reAlpha Mortgage

Mortgage relief felt like a lifeline during the pandemic. But here we are in 2025, and many homeowners are still wondering what, if anything, is left of the CARES Act protections.

Whether you’ve recently faced hardship, never took advantage of pandemic-era support, or are just trying to catch up, understanding what’s still available (and what’s not) can mean the difference between stress and stability.

Let’s cut through the confusion. This guide will show you how the CARES Act continues to affect mortgage borrowers, the new guidelines you need to know, and what support systems are out there to help you move forward.

• 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 government-backed loans.

Here’s what you need to know:

• FHA, USDA, and Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac Loans may still offer post-CARES forbearance or loss mitigation programs.
• If you entered forbearance before the deadline, you may qualify for extensions or alternative repayment plans.
• Homeowners experiencing ongoing hardship may still have options through their loan servicers, especially if they are federally insured.

Pro Tip: Call your mortgage servicer directly and ask about “post-CARES forbearance programs” or “loss mitigation options.”

Forbearance doesn’t erase your payments, it just pauses them. Once it ends, you’ll have to repay what you owe.

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.

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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.
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: https://www.hud.gov/counseling

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

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Not directly. However, if your mortgage is federally backed and you previously enrolled, extensions or loss mitigation may still be available.

Not necessarily. Most lenders offer repayment plans or loan modifications to spread or defer missed payments.

If properly reported, it shouldn’t. But errors happen, so check your credit report regularly.

Start with your servicer, then connect with a HUD-approved housing counselor or a transparent mortgage platform like reAlpha Mortgage,

• NMLS #1743790 – reAlpha Mortgage
• This content is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal or financial advice.
• Rates, loan programs, and eligibility guidelines may change.
• reAlpha is a real estate platform offering homebuyer rebates of up to 75% when bundling agent, mortgage, and title services.
• Mortgage loans are originated by licensed entities. All opinions are the author’s and not affiliated with any government agency.

Find the Perfect Mortgage for Your Dream Home with reAlpha Mortgage.

Compare options, calculate payments, and get expert guidance - all in one place.

Check if you qualify