A hardship letter is a short, honest letter that tells a lender, landlord or other creditor what changed in your finances and asks for specific help.
It works best when you explain the cause, show the steps you have taken and make one clear request.
Below are 6 complete hardship letter samples, for a mortgage, a credit card, rent, a utility bill, an auto loan and a medical bill.
A free builder lets you tap, edit, print or copy your own letter.
This page also covers what counts as a hardship, the options you can request, the documents to send and the help that mortgage servicers must give.
The people, lenders, accounts and numbers are fictional, so replace them with your own true details.
This page is general information, not legal or financial advice. A free housing counselor can help with a mortgage or rent problem.
6 Hardship Letter Samples
Quick jump: MortgageCredit cardRentUtility billAuto loanMedical billFree hardship letter builder
Hardship Letter to a Mortgage Servicer After a Job Loss
318 Oak Ridge Drive
Columbus, OH 43215
daniel.hughes@email.com | (555) 010-3101
November 13, 2026
Loss Mitigation Department
Prairie Home Mortgage Servicing
4000 Grain Exchange Plaza
Des Moines, IA 50309
Re: Hardship Assistance Request, Mortgage Ending in 6612
Dear Loss Mitigation Team,
I am writing to ask about loss mitigation options, including a forbearance plan, for my mortgage ending in 6612. My employer closed its Columbus plant in September 2026, and my household income has dropped by 60%.
This home has been ours for 6 years, and the mortgage was current until now. I have filed for unemployment benefits, applied for 22 jobs and cut our monthly spending by 30%. I expect to start a new job by February 2027, and I am glad to send my termination notice, benefit letter and a budget.
My request is a 3-month forbearance beginning with the next due date, followed by a plan to bring the loan current. I would welcome a call from my assigned contact at the number above.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Daniel Hughes
Enclosures: termination notice, benefit letter and household budget
Hardship Letter to a Credit Card Company After Medical Bills
2716 Elm Avenue
Dallas, TX 75204
jessica.miller@email.com | (555) 010-3112
November 13, 2026
Hardship Assistance Team
Lakeview Credit Card Services
500 Lakeview Drive
Omaha, NE 68102
Re: Hardship Assistance Request, Account Ending in 4821
Dear Hardship Assistance Team,
This letter is my request to join your hardship program for my credit card account ending in 4821. A surgery in August 2026 brought $9,400 in medical bills that my insurance did not cover, and my monthly budget has not kept up.
This account was current through 8 years as a cardholder, until now. I set up a budget that cuts my spending by 25%, set up an installment plan with the hospital and returned to work in October. I expect my budget to recover by March 2027.
My request is a lower monthly bill and a reduced interest rate for 6 months, plus a waiver of any late fees during that time. I will keep making what I can each month while you review it.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jessica Miller
Enclosures: hospital statement and a recent account statement
Hardship Letter to a Landlord After Reduced Work Hours
1850 Pine Street, Apt 5
Charlotte, NC 28203
brandon.taylor@email.com | (555) 010-3123
November 13, 2026
Ms. Linda Foster
Property Manager
Greenway Apartments
1850 Pine Street, Office
Charlotte, NC 28203
Re: Request for a Rent Installment Plan, Apartment 5
Dear Ms. Foster,
My request for a rent installment plan for Apartment 5 comes after my employer cut my hours by 40% in October 2026. I have lived in the building for 3 years and made every monthly rent bill on time until now.
I took a second part-time job, which starts November 20, and I expect my full income to return by January 2027. I am also glad to send my employer’s schedule notice.
I am asking to split December’s rent into two installments, one on December 1 and one on December 15, and to return to the normal schedule in January. I want to keep my home and stay a reliable resident.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Brandon Taylor
Enclosures: employer schedule notice
Hardship Letter to a Utility Company After Seasonal Income Loss
905 Cedar Lane
Minneapolis, MN 55407
karen.williams@email.com | (555) 010-3134
November 13, 2026
Customer Assistance Program
North Star Energy
200 Nicollet Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Re: Hardship Assistance Request, Utility Account Ending in 3347
Dear Customer Assistance Team,
I am writing to ask about your hardship options for my utility account ending in 3347. My landscaping work slows every winter, and this year my income has dropped by 50% from December through March.
My account was current through all 9 years as a customer, until now. I lowered my thermostat, cut my usage by 15% and signed up for budget billing. I expect my income to return in April 2027.
My request is a lower monthly amount during the winter and an installment plan for my current balance of $412. I would also appreciate information about any assistance programs that fit my situation.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Karen Williams
Enclosures: income statements and a recent bill
Hardship Letter to an Auto Lender After a Divorce
742 Willow Court
Denver, CO 80206
tyler.anderson@email.com | (555) 010-3145
November 13, 2026
Customer Care
Northstar Auto Finance
1200 Commerce Street
Nashville, TN 37203
Re: Hardship Assistance Request, Auto Loan Ending in 7305
Dear Customer Care Team,
This letter is a request for hardship assistance on my auto loan ending in 7305. A divorce in September 2026 reduced my household income by 35%, and I am rebuilding my budget with one salary.
I have kept this loan current for 31 months, and I depend on this vehicle to get to work. I have moved to a smaller apartment, cut my monthly spending by $600 and set a budget I can keep.
My request is a due date moved from the 5th to the 20th, which matches my new salary schedule, and a lower monthly bill for 4 months. I would welcome a call to talk about the options.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Tyler Anderson
Enclosures: divorce decree and a recent earnings statement
Hardship Letter to a Hospital Billing Office After a Large Bill
1124 Palm Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85014
maria.gonzalez@email.com | (555) 010-3156
November 13, 2026
Patient Financial Services
Desert Valley Medical Center
800 Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Re: Financial Assistance Request, Account Ending in 5538
Dear Patient Financial Services Team,
I am writing to ask about financial assistance for my account ending in 5538. My emergency visit in September 2026 resulted in a bill of $6,200, and my household income has been reduced since my husband’s layoff in August.
I received your statement and want to settle this account. We have cut our spending by 35%, and I work 32 hours a week. I would like to know whether you offer a financial assistance program and what documents it needs.
If assistance is not available, my request is a monthly installment plan of $120 with no interest. I will send my documents as soon as I know what you need.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Maria Gonzalez
Enclosures: household income statements and a recent hospital statement
Free Hardship Letter Builder
Step 1. What caused the hardship?
Step 2. What are you asking for?
Step 3. Tap the lines to add. Three to five keeps the letter short.
Step 4. Click any text in the letter below and type or modify to make it yours.
Replace the name, lender, account digits, dates, amounts and reason with your own true details, and use only the last four digits of your account number. Be honest, keep to the facts, and call the lender first to ask about its hardship process.
1420 Birch Street
Louisville, KY 40204
michael.turner@email.com | (555) 010-0931
November 13, 2026
Hardship Assistance Team
Cardinal Trust Bank
700 Cardinal Plaza
Louisville, KY 40202
Re: Hardship Assistance Request, Account Ending in 4821
Dear Hardship Assistance Team,
I am writing to request hardship assistance on my account ending in 4821. I lost my job in September 2026, and my household income has dropped by more than half.
I am writing to ask for hardship assistance on my account ending in 4821. Unexpected medical bills in September 2026 have strained my monthly budget.
This letter is my request for hardship assistance on my account ending in 4821. A family change in September 2026 has reduced our household income, and I want to keep this account in good standing.
My request is a 3-month pause on monthly bills, starting with the next due date.
My request is a lower monthly bill and a reduced interest rate for 6 months.
My request is a new due date and an installment plan of $150 a month that I can keep.
I have been a customer since 2019 and kept this account current until now.
I have cut my spending by 30% and set a budget I can keep.
I am working actively to restore my income.
I expect my income to recover by January 2027.
I am sending documents that show my situation.
I will keep making what I can each month while you review my request.
I want to avoid a missed due date and keep this account in good standing.
I would be grateful if you would waive late fees during this time.
I am open to any program that fits my situation.
I will update you as soon as my income returns.
I would welcome a call at the number above.
Thank you for your time and for working with me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Michael Turner
Enclosures: proof of income and a recent account statement
To save your letter: press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac) and choose Save as PDF. Only the letter prints. To copy it, select the text inside the letter and press Ctrl+C or Cmd+C.
Which Starting Point Fits You?
| Your hardship | Builder choice | What to highlight |
|---|---|---|
| You lost a job or your income dropped | Job loss or lower income | The date it began, your history with the account and when you expect to recover |
| Large medical expenses strained your budget | Medical expenses | The size of the bills, steps you have taken and a realistic request |
| A divorce, a death or another family change reduced your income | Family change or emergency | What changed, how you adjusted your budget and your specific request |
How to Write a Hardship Letter: 6 Steps
Step 1. Call the Lender First
Experian advises contacting the lender first, because many have their own hardship process, such as a phone call or an online form. The CFPB advises calling before you miss a due date. Write down who you spoke with and when.
Step 2. Open With a Clear Request
Name the account by its last four digits and ask for hardship assistance in your first sentence. A direct request is easier for a reviewer to act on.
Step 3. Explain the Cause and the Date
Give the cause and the date it began, in a sentence or two. Experian advises being honest and sticking to the facts.
Step 4. Show What You Have Done
Describe the steps you have taken, such as cutting spending, looking for work or making what you can each month.
Step 5. Make One Specific Request
Ask for one clear thing, such as a 3-month pause, a lower monthly bill or an installment plan, and say when you expect your income to recover.
Step 6. List Your Enclosures and Say Thank You
Attach the documents that support your request, keep copies and send the letter in a way that gives you a record, such as the lender’s secure message center or certified mail.
What to Include in the Letter
| Part | What to write |
|---|---|
| Your details | Your name, address, email and phone number, plus today’s date |
| Lender’s address | The hardship, loss mitigation or customer care address on your statement |
| Re line | The words hardship assistance request and the last four digits of the account |
| Opening | A clear request naming the account and the purpose of the letter |
| Cause | What caused the hardship and when it began |
| Steps taken | Spending cuts, a new budget, new work or partial amounts you can still make |
| Specific request | A pause, a lower monthly bill, a new due date, an installment plan or waived fees |
| Recovery | When you expect your income to return, based on real facts |
| Enclosures | The documents that support your request |
| Close | A thank you and the best way to reach you |
What Counts as a Hardship
Experian says qualifying hardships are generally events beyond your control. Each lender sets its own rules, so ask what yours accepts.
| Often qualifies | Generally does not qualify |
|---|---|
| Job loss or reduced income | A voluntary job change |
| Divorce or separation | Luxury spending |
| Death of a spouse | Investment losses |
| Severe medical expenses | Education costs |
| Military deployment | Legal expenses |
| Natural disaster |
What You Can Ask For
| What you can ask for | What it means |
|---|---|
| A lower monthly bill | A smaller amount due each month for a set time |
| A temporary pause | A short break from monthly bills, such as a forbearance |
| A reduced interest rate | A lower rate for a set time |
| Forgiveness of past-due amounts | The lender removes or reduces missed amounts |
| Waived late fees | The lender removes late fees during the hardship |
| A loan modification | A permanent change to the loan terms |
| A new due date | A due date that matches your new salary schedule |
Documents to Send With Your Letter
| Document | When to include it |
|---|---|
| Unemployment or termination notice | Job loss or reduced hours |
| Medical bills and statements | Medical expenses |
| Divorce decree or death certificate | Family change |
| Recent earnings statements, W-2s and 1099s | Proof of your current and past income |
| Recent account statements | To show the balance and the account history |
| A simple monthly budget | To show what you can afford |
What Mortgage Servicers Must Do
| Mortgage servicer step | What the CFPB says |
|---|---|
| First contact | The servicer generally must try to reach you within 36 calendar days after you become delinquent |
| Written notice | Within 45 calendar days, it must send a written notice describing loss mitigation options |
| Point of contact | Within 45 calendar days, it must assign a person who can answer questions about options and your application |
| If it will not help | You can file a complaint with the CFPB online or at (855) 411-2372 |
Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until after a missed due date. Call and write as soon as you see trouble coming.
- Being vague. Name the cause, the date and one specific request.
- Stretching the facts. Stay honest and stick to what you can prove.
- Sending no documents. Enclose the papers that support your request.
- Sharing your full account number. The last four digits are enough.
- Stopping all contact. Keep making what you can and keep the lender updated.
Hardship Letter Checklist
Tick each item as you finish. Your letter is ready when the counter reaches 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hardship letter?
A hardship letter explains a financial difficulty to a lender or creditor and asks for help, such as a lower monthly bill, a temporary pause or a plan you can keep. Experian describes it as often the first step toward a temporary arrangement.
How do I start a hardship letter?
Open with your purpose: ask for hardship assistance and name the account by its last four digits. Then explain the cause and the date it began.
What should a hardship letter include?
Your contact details, the account’s last four digits, the cause and date of the hardship, the steps you have taken, one specific request, when you expect to recover and a list of enclosures.
What counts as a hardship?
Experian says hardships are generally events beyond your control, such as job loss, reduced income, divorce or separation, a death, severe medical expenses, military deployment or a natural disaster.
Should I call the lender before I write?
Yes. Experian notes that some lenders have their own hardship process, and the CFPB advises calling right away, before you miss a due date.
What can I ask for in a hardship letter?
Common requests are a lower monthly bill, a temporary pause, a reduced interest rate, waived late fees, forgiveness of past-due amounts or a loan modification.
What documents should I send?
Send the papers that prove your situation, such as an unemployment notice, medical bills, a divorce decree, recent earnings statements, W-2s or 1099s and account statements.
Will a hardship letter hurt my credit?
The letter itself is not a credit report item. Experian advises that you keep making what you can while you wait for a decision to protect your credit, and the CFPB suggests asking the lender to note the reason for any missed or delayed bill.
What help do mortgage servicers have to give?
The CFPB says a servicer generally must try to reach you within 36 days of a missed bill, send a written notice of loss mitigation options within 45 days and assign a contact person. You can file a complaint if it will not help.
How do I avoid a hardship scam?
The CFPB warns against up-front fees, pressure to decide quickly and anyone who will not answer questions. A housing counselor can often help at low or no cost.
Conclusion
A strong hardship letter is honest, specific and calm. Call the lender first, name the account, explain the cause, show what you have done and make one clear request with your documents attached. Use the builder above to write your letter today.
Related Reading
- No income letter samples
- Proof of income letter from an employer
- Proof of residency letter from a landlord
- Letter stating that someone lives with you
Sources: Experian, How to Write a Hardship Letter to Creditors (July 11, 2023). Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Does my mortgage servicer have to help me avoid foreclosure? and Start recovering and rebuilding your financial life. The people, lenders, accounts and numbers in these letters are fictional. This page is general information, not legal or financial advice.