Many advocates believe there needs to be an increase in government help to stop foreclosures. With the recent increase in foreclosure rates, many politicians are pushing for government "bail out" for the institutions who offered subprime mortgages. What the average consumer doesn't realize is that there are many government, state and federal, already in place to help stop foreclosure. When looking for information on government help to stop foreclosures, the internet is a great place to look.

The federal government has incentive programs in place for the lender to help avoid foreclosure. There is significant assistance available for those who communicate with their lender early in the foreclosure process. HUD also has approved foreclosure counselors who will offer individualized help.

A recent collaboration of HUD/Federal Housing Administration, the Department of Veteran Affairs, the Department of Labor and mortgage lenders have provided valuable information regarding government help to stop foreclosures. If you're facing financial difficulties due to job loss, military service, or natural disasters, there are many programs providing government help to stop foreclosures. Contacting any one of these agencies is an important step in gathering information to help you keep your home.

Victims of a natural disaster have special government help to stop foreclosure that has been made available through the national government. If you were a victim of a national tragedy, such as the attacks of September 11, 2001, there may still be help available through the disaster relief plans the federal government has in place. Military families who are suffering financial hardship due to deployment or disabilities caused during active duty also qualify for special programs to help them keep their homes.

The most important step when looking for government help to stop foreclosures is to contact your lender. Lenders have the most up to date information on all the government programs available and can tell you if you qualify for any of them. Lenders have workout options that help you keep your home. These options work best if you're only 1-2 payments behind, so contact your lender early. The farther behind you get, the fewer options there are.

Government help to stop foreclosures IS available; you just have to act early to be able to benefit from most of these options.