WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Fannie Mae (OTCQB: FNMA) is reminding homeowners and renters impacted by natural disasters, including those affected by Hurricane Helene, of available mortgage assistance and disaster relief options. Mortgage servicers also are reminded of options to assist homeowners under Fannie Mae's guidelines during these circumstances.

"Our top priority is the safety and well-being of those affected by Hurricane Helene. Homeowners facing hardship due to the hurricane should contact their mortgage servicer to discuss relief options as soon as they're able to do so," said Cyndi Danko, Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, Single-Family, Fannie Mae.

Homeowners and renters should call 855-HERE2HELP (855-437-3243) to access Fannie Mae's disaster recovery counseling* or visit the Fannie Mae website for more information.

Under Fannie Mae's guidelines for single-family mortgages impacted by a disaster:

• Homeowners may request mortgage assistance by contacting their mortgage servicer (the company listed on their mortgage statement) following a disaster.

• Homeowners affected by a disaster are often eligible to reduce or suspend their mortgage payments for up to 12 months by entering a forbearance plan with their mortgage servicer. During this temporary reduction or pause in payments, homeowners will not incur late fees and foreclosure and other legal proceedings are suspended.

• In instances where contact with the homeowner has not been established, mortgage servicers are authorized to offer a forbearance plan for up to 90 days if the servicer believes the home was affected by a disaster.

• Following a forbearance plan, there are a number of options available to potentially help homeowners resolve the delinquency without paying a lump sum, including Disaster Payment Deferral and Fannie Mae Flex Modification.

• In addition, homeowners on a COVID-19-related forbearance plan who are subsequently impacted by a disaster may still be eligible for assistance and should contact their mortgage servicer to discuss options.

Homeowners and renters looking for disaster recovery resources may visit the Fannie Mae website to learn more about addressing immediate needs. Fannie Mae also offers help navigating the broader financial effects of a disaster to homeowners and renters through disaster recovery counseling at 855-HERE2HELP (855-437-3243).* Assistance is provided free of charge by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-approved housing counselors who are trained disaster-recovery experts that provide: