Homeowners Mortgage Support (HMS) was launched in April 2009 to help homeowners remain in their homes if they fall on difficult times. In order to benefit from the scheme, borrowers have to meet certain eligibility criteria and have a mortgage with a lender who is signed up to the scheme. There is a live list of participating lenders on www.direct.gov.uk.

HMS allows borrowers to postpone up to 70% of their monthly mortgage interest payments for up to two years. This is not a ‘payment holiday’; the deferred payments will be rolled up and added to the principal value of the loan. They will then have to be paid back after the homeowner leaves the scheme according to a schedule agreed between the homeowner and the lender.

Find a local, free money advice agency that offers HMS advice:

Select from the options below, then click the button labelled "Find Agencies" to get details of money advice agencies that can offer HMS advice in your area. Remember, the agencies we list all provide a free, independent, confidential and impartial money advice service.