Help is available
There are support services that can provide help, support and advice, if you have fallen behind on your mortgage repayments. They provide assistance under the Government funded Abhaile service - The National Mortgage Arrears Resolution Service.
Under the Abhaile service you can get free access to debt, financial, legal, or insolvency advice. If you are in mortgage arrears the Abhaile service will help you find the best solution depending on your circumstances, and keep you in your own home if possible.
A dedicated mortgage arrears adviser will work with you and your mortgage lender to find the best solution for your situation. It is important to know that your mortgage lender's last option should be repossessing your home. More information on the supports available are outlined below.
The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS)
MABS is a free, independent, confidential and non-judgmental money advice and budgeting service. You can talk to MABS at any stage in the repossession process. However, the earlier you talk to MABS, the better they will be able to assist you.
You can visit www.mabs.ie or call the Helpline: 0818 07 2000 for more information.
If you contact MABS they can:
- Help with conversations with your mortgage lender.
- Provide vouchers for you to see a Personal Insolvency Practitioner (PIP), who will advise you and negotiate with your creditors on your behalf.
- Provide vouchers for you to see legal or financial advisors free of charge via the state-funded Abhaile service.
- Support you by answering any questions you might have before or after your court hearing.
If your case goes to court:
- A MABS representative will be present at court on the day of your hearing if your case is being heard by a County Registrar.
- They will act as a court mentor, providing information and support about the repossession and court process. However, they cannot give legal advice or speak for you in court.
- They will wear ID badges and can be approached at any time. They can answer questions before and after your court hearings.
- Information leaflets from MABS are available at court.
MABS cannot give a legal opinion or predict how the County Registrar or Circuit Court Judge will handle your case.
Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI)
The ISI can help you tackle personal debt problems and repossession issues. You can talk to the ISI at any stage in the repossession process. However, the earlier you engage with the ISI, the better they can assist you.
Visit www.backontrack.ie or call 01 764 4200.
If you contact ISI they can:
Put you in touch with a PIP (Personal Insolvency Practitioner) who can assess your debt and suggest a personal insolvency arrangement. If you're in mortgage arrears, you may be eligible for a free consultation under Abhaile (referral via MABS).
- Advise you of all financial solutions available.
- Speak with your mortgage lender on your behalf.
- Speak in some courts to the County Registrar and Circuit Court Judge.
Legal Aid Board
The Legal Aid Board may provide legal aid and advice. Law centres are available throughout the country.
Visit www.legalaidboard.ie or call 0818 615 200.
If you contact the Legal Aid Board they can:
- Provide a solicitor consultation service under the Abhaile scheme.
If your case goes to court:
- The Legal Aid Board can offer a duty solicitor service to provide information and possibly speak on your behalf in court.
A short animated video to help you understand the supports available
This short video explains the support services available if you are behind on your mortgage repayments.
Legal advice and mediation
You can get legal advice, representation, and mediation to help with your repossession case.
