Notifying the HUD when someone dies
Loan servicer (notified by heirs or estate) is responsible for notifying the HUD
FHA Resource Center
Phone1-800-225-5342
TTY202-708-1455
WebsiteVisit website →
HoursMonday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET
HUD Housing Counseling (HECM)
Phone1-800-569-4287
TTY202-708-1455
WebsiteLearn about benefits →
HoursMonday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET
HECM Loan Servicer (contact directly)
Phone1-800-225-5342
TTY202-708-1455
Timeline
30 days for initial response; up to 6 months with extensions; foreclosure filed between 30 days and 6 months
WebsiteLearn more →
HoursMonday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET
Verified Mar 2026
When someone dies, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must be notified. The loan servicer (notified by heirs or estate) is responsible for notifying the HUD.
Notification deadline: 30 days from due-and-payable notice for initial response; up to 6 months total with extensions.
Steps to take
Steps for notifying the HUD and applying for survivor benefits:
1
Notify the HECM loan servicer of the borrower's death:
- •Contact the reverse mortgage servicer listed on monthly statements
- •The servicer reports the death to HUD within 60 days
- •The loan becomes due and payable upon the last surviving borrower's death
2
Receive the due-and-payable notice from the servicer and choose an option within 30 days:
- •Option 1: Repay the loan balance and keep the home (pay in cash or refinance into a new mortgage)
- •Option 2: Sell the home (if underwater, sell for at least 95% of appraised value — FHA covers the shortfall)
- •Option 3: Execute a deed in lieu of foreclosure (transfer the property to the lender)
3
Request extensions if needed. The servicer may approve 90-day extensions (with evidence of active marketing or financing efforts), up to 6 months total.
4
If the surviving spouse is a non-borrowing spouse (NBS):
- •Contact the servicer to determine eligibility for a deferral period under 24 CFR 206.55
- •Must have been married to the borrower for the entire duration of the borrower's lifetime
- •Must occupy the property as principal residence
- •Must continue to pay property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and maintain the property
- •Must complete annual NBS certifications
5
Contact a HUD-approved HECM counselor at (800) 569-4287 for free guidance on your options.
Required Documents
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- HECM loan account number and servicer contact information
- Property appraisal (ordered by the servicer)
- Marriage certificate (for non-borrowing spouse deferral claims)
- Annual NBS certification forms (for non-borrowing spouses during the deferral period)
Timeline
30 days for initial response; up to 6 months with extensions; foreclosure filed between 30 days and 6 months
Survivor benefits
Non-Recourse Protection for Heirs
HECM reverse mortgages are non-recourse loans — the property is the only collateral. Heirs are never personally liable for any shortfall if the loan balance exceeds the home's value. If the home is underwater, heirs can sell for at least 95% of the current appraised value, and FHA insurance covers the remaining balance.
Eligibility: All heirs of a deceased HECM borrower
How to apply: Contact the loan servicer to discuss options; the servicer orders an appraisal
Learn more →Non-Borrowing Spouse Deferral Period
An eligible non-borrowing spouse (NBS) can remain in the home after the HECM borrower dies without the loan being called due and payable. The NBS must have been married to the borrower for the entire duration of the borrower's lifetime, must occupy the property as their principal residence, and must continue to pay property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and maintain the property.
Eligibility: Surviving spouse who was continuously married to the borrower, occupies the home as principal residence, and meets ongoing obligations (24 CFR 206.55)
How to apply: Contact the loan servicer; the servicer determines NBS eligibility and processes the deferral
Learn more →HUD-Approved Housing Counseling
Heirs of a deceased HECM borrower can access HUD-approved housing counselors for guidance on their options. Counselors are trained in reverse mortgage heir procedures, including repaying the loan, selling the home, and non-borrowing spouse protections.
Eligibility: Heirs and family members of a deceased HECM borrower
How to apply: Find a HUD-approved HECM counselor at (800) 569-4287 or search the HECM Counselor Roster online
Learn more →Frequently asked questions
The reverse mortgage (HECM) becomes due and payable when the last surviving borrower dies. Heirs receive a due-and-payable notice from the loan servicer and have 30 days to choose an option: repay the loan and keep the home, sell the property, or execute a deed in lieu of foreclosure. Extensions of up to 6 months total are available.
An eligible non-borrowing spouse can remain in the home through a deferral period under 24 CFR 206.55. Eligibility requires continuous marriage to the borrower through death, occupying the home as a principal residence, and maintaining property taxes, insurance, and upkeep. This protection applies to all HECMs regardless of when the loan was originated.
No. HECM reverse mortgages cannot be assumed by heirs. The loan is personal to the original borrower(s) and terminates at death. Heirs who wish to keep the home must pay off the HECM in full (cash or new financing). This is different from traditional FHA forward mortgages, which have separate assumption rules.
HUD-approved HECM counselors provide free guidance on heir options after a borrower's death. Find a counselor by calling (800) 569-4287 or searching the HECM Counselor Roster at entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/hecm_agency_look.cfm.
After completing the notification process, eligible survivors can apply for 3 benefits through the HUD. Each benefit has its own eligibility requirements and application process.
Keep copies of all documents submitted to the HUD. Original documents submitted for verification are typically returned after processing.
FHA Resource Center
Phone1-800-225-5342
TTY202-708-1455
WebsiteVisit website →
HoursMonday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET
HUD Housing Counseling (HECM)
Phone1-800-569-4287
TTY202-708-1455
WebsiteLearn about benefits →
HoursMonday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET
HECM Loan Servicer (contact directly)
Phone1-800-225-5342
TTY202-708-1455
Timeline
30 days for initial response; up to 6 months with extensions; foreclosure filed between 30 days and 6 months
WebsiteLearn more →
HoursMonday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET
Verified Mar 2026