A loan modification permanently changes the terms of your mortgage – usually lowering your interest rate, extending the loan term, or adding missed payments to the end of your loan balance. This gives you a new, more affordable monthly payment going forward. Forbearance, on the other hand, is a temporary pause or reduction in your mortgage payments for a specific period, usually 3 to 12 months. After forbearance ends, you’ll need to catch up on the missed payments through a repayment plan, loan modification, or other arrangement. Forbearance is good if you’re facing a temporary financial hardship like job loss or medical emergency, while modification works better if your financial situation has permanently changed and you need long-term payment relief. Your lender will evaluate your situation to determine which option makes sense.