What to do when a PHH Mortgage account holder dies
Report the death to PHH Mortgage at 1-800-449-8767
PHH Mortgage operates under a new nameRebranded, effective March 2026
PHH Mortgage rebranded to Onity Mortgage on March 23, 2026. phhmortgage.com redirects to onitymortgage.com. The servicer is the same company, account numbers and online login credentials do not change, and checks made payable to PHH Mortgage are still accepted.
PHH Mortgage balances do not pass to anyone at death — they are settled. The executor reports the death to the Requests for Information and Notices of Error, gets the date-of-death balance in writing, and resolves it through the estate's creditor process.
Before contacting PHH Mortgage, have the account holder's full name, date of birth, and any available account numbers ready.
Deposit, investment & retirement accounts
Here is the step-by-step death claim process at PHH Mortgage:
Filing a claim
Required Documents
- Mortgage account number and property address, for a written request
Accounts handled elsewhere1
- HELOC Customer Care Center
Home equity line of credit (HELOC) accounts1
Phone: 1-877-461-2437
Not in PHH Mortgage's published guidance3
- A procedure for reporting a death
- A department for deceased-customer accounts
- A claim form
Sources1
Mortgage and home lending
Mortgages and home equity loans are liabilities, not assets. They do not have beneficiaries and cannot be retitled to a trust.
- Paying the balance in full with personal funds, a different loan, life insurance proceeds, or other funds.
- A short sale for less than the outstanding balance, subject to the terms of the mortgage and prior approval from the investor or owner of the mortgage.
- A deed in lieu, subject to investor approval. The title must be clear of liens or encumbrances, and the property must be clear of all personal belongings.
- For a deed in lieu where all borrowers are deceased, an authorized representative for the estate must be appointed to convey the title.
- Allowing the property to be foreclosed upon.
Required Documents
- Death certificateA copy. The Heir Payoff documents require a death certificate in all situations.
- Documents verifying any probate proceedingSuch as a copy of a court appointment of an executor, administrator, or personal representative of the borrower's estate.
- Letters testamentary or letters of administrationCopies.
- Trust agreement and appointment of trustee, if there is oneA copy.
- Documents related to any efforts to sell the property
- Description of Intentions sheet, for the Heir Payoff Option
- Proof of heirship title, for the Heir Payoff Option
- Heir Payoff Application, for the Heir Payoff Option
Claims Contact
Phone: 1-866-503-5559
Email: CustomerAssist@OnityReverse.com
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-7:00 PM ET
Mailing address: Onity Mortgage, PO Box 24606, West Palm Beach, FL 33416
Forms PHH Mortgage issues2
- Entitled Non-Borrowing Spouse (eNBS) Annual Certification - Spouse
Completed by the spouse, when the borrower is deceased. Available to download.1
- Mortgagee Optional Election (MOE) Information Sheet
Available to download.1
What happens to each kind of account1
- Loan
When the last remaining borrower (or eligible non-borrowing spouse) passes away, the reverse mortgage becomes due and payable.2
Onity's FAQ states that, based on HUD guidelines, it must start foreclosure proceedings within six months of the borrower's passing. A temporary HUD extension is possible only while the estate is communicating and actively pursuing an option.3
Under the Heir Payoff Option, when the property is conveyed by will or operation of law to the estate or heirs after the last borrower's death, that party may pay the lesser of the full debt or a percent of the current appraised value.4
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
Sources4
Sources
Data sourced from PHH Mortgage primary sources (17 pages reviewed). How we research.
PHH Mortgage death claims support
Customer Service (General Servicing Inquiries and Assistance)
Phone
HELOC Customer Care Center
Website Support
Telecommunications Relay Service
Insurance Department
Loss Draft Department
Buy or Refinance
Reverse Mortgage Customer Service
Hours
Mailing address
Website
Death notifications go through general customer service.
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your PHH Mortgage accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Forms for Settling an Estate
Free forms for settling an estate: the probate petition, small estate affidavit, notice to creditors, inventory, and closing forms.
Digital Assets Recovery Letter
Prepare a letter requesting a deceased person's online accounts, points, and balances from the program that holds them.
Petition for Probate and Letters
Open probate and ask the court to appoint you and issue Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Notice to Creditors
Notify estate creditors and start the claim period — the published notice plus mailed copies for known creditors.
Renunciation of Executor
Decline an appointment as executor named in a will — the writing filed with the court before anyone is appointed.
Affidavit of Heirship
Prepare the sworn statement of a deceased person's family history and heirs for recording in the county land records, with your state's recording instructions.
Small Estate Affidavit
Collect a small estate's property without probate — the sworn affidavit presented to banks and other holders, with a presentation letter for each.
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