What to do if…
your mortgage payment amount changes suddenly and the next payment is due within days

What to do now

1. Collect the payment facts in one place.
   Save or screenshot the latest mortgage statement, the old payment amount, the new payment amount, the due date, the loan number, and any recent escrow analysis, shortage notice, adjustable-rate notice, insurance notice, tax notice, fee notice, or servicer-transfer notice.

2. Check the scheduled payment before money moves.
   In the servicer portal and your bank account, look for the scheduled autopay amount and date. If the new amount is scheduled and you cannot cover it, contact the servicer before changing anything so you know whether cancelling or changing the draft could make the payment late.

3. Ask the servicer for a line-by-line explanation.
   Say: “My payment changed suddenly and the next payment is due within days. Please tell me the principal and interest amount, escrow amount, mortgage insurance amount, any fees, the total due, the due date, and the late-fee date. Please send the breakdown to me in writing.”

4. If escrow caused the change, ask for the math.
   Ask for the escrow analysis or annual escrow statement, the tax and insurance amounts used, the shortage or deficiency amount, how many months it is being spread over, and whether any insurance or tax bill was paid from escrow recently.

5. If an adjustable rate caused the change, ask for the rate details.
   Ask for the new interest rate, when it took effect, the index and margin used if applicable, the old principal-and-interest payment, the new principal-and-interest payment, and the notice that explains the change.

6. If the amount may be wrong, send a written Notice of Error or Request for Information.
   Mail the notice to the servicer’s special address for mortgage servicing errors or information requests if the servicer lists one on your statement, coupon book, website, or recent notices. Use the portal or email only as an additional copy, or if the servicer clearly says it accepts Notices of Error or Requests for Information that way. Include your name, loan number, the payment amount you expected, the amount now being demanded, why you think it may be wrong, and what records you want, such as the escrow analysis, payment history, fee breakdown, or rate-change notice. Servicers generally must acknowledge a proper written Notice of Error or Request for Information within five days, not counting Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays. They generally must respond within federal time limits, often 30 days, with shorter deadlines or limited extensions in some situations. Keep a copy and proof of mailing, upload, or delivery.

7. If you cannot afford the new amount, ask about immediate options before the due date.
   Say: “I may not be able to make this full payment on time. What options are available before this becomes delinquent?” Ask about the grace period, late-fee date, whether any short-term help or loss mitigation option requires an application, and whether making a smaller payment would help or would still leave the account unpaid.

8. Be precise about partial payments.
   Before paying less than the full amount due, ask: “If I pay $___ today, will you credit it to my account, return it, or hold it in a special account? Will it prevent a late fee or delinquency?” Save the answer if it appears in the portal or in writing.

9. Get independent help if the servicer’s answer is unclear or you are at risk of missing the payment.
   Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor through an official search tool and ask about cost before you agree to anything. If a foreclosure sale date or court deadline already exists, contact local legal aid or a housing attorney urgently.

10. Escalate if the servicer is not responding.
    If you have called, sent a written request, and still cannot get a clear answer, submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and attach the statement, notices, screenshots, dates of calls, and copies of written requests.