What to do when a PennyMac account holder dies
Report the death to PennyMac at 1-800-777-4001
Notifying PennyMac of a death is not a claim for money — it is the step that stops the account, fixes the balance owed as of the date of death, and puts PennyMac on notice as a creditor of the estate. PennyMac handles it.
Before contacting PennyMac, have the account holder's full name, date of birth, and any available account numbers ready.
Death claim process
Here is the step-by-step death claim process at PennyMac:
Filing a claim
- If there is a co-borrower on the mortgage, the co-borrower continues to be responsible for the loan and may continue to manage the account and make payments as usual.
- A person who inherited an interest in the property may be eligible to become a Successor in Interest, a status that allows that person to manage the account and make payments.
- A person who wants to take full financial ownership of the loan can apply for an assumption, which typically involves a formal review of credit and income.
- Proof of the event: a copy of the death certificate, final divorce decree, or trust agreement.
- Proof of transfer: the recorded deed or probate court documents showing the property was legally transferred to you.
- Identity verification: a copy of your valid photo ID.
- Contact details: your current phone number and mailing address.
- Proof of relationship, if the transfer is due to the passing of a family member.
Required Documents
- Death certificateA copy.
- Recorded deed or probate court documents, showing the property was legally transferred to the successor
- Valid photo IDA copy.
- Current phone number and mailing address
- Proof of relationship, if the transfer is due to the passing of a family member
What happens to each kind of account1
- Loan
PennyMac states that a Successor in Interest is someone who received an ownership interest in the property, usually through inheritance, a divorce decree, or a living trust, but is not an original borrower on the mortgage.1, 2, 3
PennyMac states a Successor in Interest is not personally liable for the debt and the mortgage does not appear on the Successor in Interest's credit report; the monthly payments must still be made to prevent foreclosure.1, 2, 3
Federal law on calling a home loan after a death
These exemptions apply to a loan secured by residential real property containing less than five dwelling units.12 U.S.C. § 1701j-3(d); 12 CFR 191.5(b), 141.14Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- A lender may not exercise a due-on-sale clause upon a transfer by devise, descent, or operation of law on the death of a joint tenant or tenant by the entirety.12 U.S.C. § 1701j-3(d)(3); 12 CFR 191.5(b)(1)(iii)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- A lender may not exercise a due-on-sale clause upon a transfer to a relative resulting from the death of a borrower.12 U.S.C. § 1701j-3(d)(5)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- A lender may not exercise a due-on-sale clause upon a transfer where the spouse or children of the borrower become an owner of the property.12 U.S.C. § 1701j-3(d)(6)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
A federal regulation sets further conditions on these transfers.12 CFR 191.5(b)(1)(v)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
Accounts handled elsewhere2
- PennyMac notices of error and information requests (West Coast states)
Notices of error and requests for information on loans in West Coast states4
Mailing address: PennyMac Loan Services, LLC, PO Box 5133, Thousand Oaks, CA 91359-5133
- PennyMac notices of error and information requests (East Coast states)
Notices of error and requests for information on loans in East Coast states4
Mailing address: PennyMac Loan Services, LLC, PO Box 950002, Fort Worth, TX 76155-9802
What PennyMac's agreement and guidance say1
Not in PennyMac's published guidance1
- A claim form
Sources
Data sourced from PennyMac primary sources (20 pages reviewed). How we research.
PennyMac death claims support
Customer service (existing loans)
Phone
Difficulty making payments (relief and assistance)
Assumptions Department
Hours
Mailing address
Website
Death notifications go through general customer service.
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your PennyMac accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
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Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
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Notice to Creditors
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