The Journal

If you're in mortgage arrears, you can access professional help for free

Get financial or legal advice and more. It’s never too late.

Even if your lender has started repossession proceedings, it's not too late

You can still get help.

Have credit card debt as well as mortgage debt? You're not alone

A PIA could help – and here’s an example.

Relationship breakdown plays a huge role in mortgage arrears - here's what you should know

What can I do if my relationship has split up and my ex will not contribute towards the mortgage?

'There is no way I can stay in my home, I owe too much.' Sound familiar?

Here’s how the Mortgage to Rent scheme works.

What you need to know if your mortgage has been sold to a fund

The most important thing is not to ignore the problem.

What you need to know if your mortgage has been sold to a fund

The most important thing is not to ignore the problem.

Over the last year, a number of lenders have sold mortgages that are in arrears to unregulated lenders and funds, this has led to concerns amongst those in mortgage arrears that they will come under more pressure from their new mortgage owner.

A recent report from the Central Bank has found that for borrowers who engage with their lender in a mortgage arrears resolution process, both regulated and unregulated lenders continue to put in place arrangements for borrowers and existing arrangements are honoured.

Therefore, it is very important that those experiencing difficulties with their mortgage do not ignore the problem. When letters from creditors or solicitors begin to arrive in the door, it’s a very natural response to bury your head in the sand in the hope that the problem will go away.

Shame, stress and isolation are barriers to people coming forward to avail of the free supports provided under Abhaile. However, the sooner you seek professional help the better.

A borrower at risk of losing their home due to mortgage arrears, may be eligible for one or more of the Abhaile services listed below, depending on their personal situation:

• Financial advice and help from a MABS Dedicated Mortgage Arrears Adviser (“DMA”)

• Financial advice and help from a Personal Insolvency Practitioner (PIP)

• Financial advice and help from an accountant

• Legal advice and help from a consultation solicitor

• Support and information at repossession court proceedings, from a Court Mentor

• Legal support and assistance at repossession court proceedings, from a duty solicitor

• Legal aid for a court review under the Personal Insolvency Acts, where creditors refuse a reasonable proposal that includes the borrower’s home mortgage arrears.

All Abhaile services are provided free to the borrower. Financial advice and help from a Personal Insolvency Practitioner (PIP) or an accountant, and legal advice and help from a consultation solicitor are accessed by the borrower using a voucher provided by MABS. MABS Dedicated Mortgage Arrears (DMA) advisers are also provided free through the Abhaile scheme.

If you are in mortgage arrears and fear you are at risk of losing your home, you may be eligible for assistance under the Abhaile service. For information, click here or call the MABS dedicated helpline on 0761 07 2000.