The Pause - Twelve Months to Plan

When disaster strikes, victims need time - time to think, time to plan, and time to rebuild. California's twelve-month mortgage forbearance provides exactly that: a pause. This breathing room becomes the foundation for recovery, lifting the immediate burden of monthly payments while families navigate the complex maze of insurance, temporary housing, and disaster assistance.

This pause isn't just about delaying payments; it's about creating space for clear thinking and informed decisions. In those first shocking months after a disaster, families shouldn't have to choose between paying their mortgage on a destroyed home or securing temporary shelter. The year-long protection acknowledges that recovery follows its own timeline - one that can't be rushed through a few months of forbearance.

Most importantly, this pause preserves options. Without the pressure of immediate mortgage payments, families can focus on working effectively with insurance adjusters, applying for assistance programs, and making sound decisions about their future. It's a recognition that disaster recovery isn't just about rebuilding structures - it's about rebuilding lives, and that takes time.