Behind on Your Mortgage? How the New VA Partial Claim Program Can Save Your Home

Hey there! If you’re reading this, first of all, take a deep breath. We know that life can throw some seriously heavy curveballs your way. Whether it’s an unexpected medical bill, a job change, or just the general chaos of life, falling behind on your mortgage is a stress nobody deserves: especially not those who have served our country.

At Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude), we’re all about more than just a “thank you for your service.” We believe in real, tangible support. While we’re famous for helping military families buy homes with our Hometown Hero Credit (that’s a 2% credit up to $21,000, by the way!), we care just as much about helping you stay in your home.

The good news? As of June 15, 2026, the VA has officially rolled out a brand-new lifeline: the VA Partial Claim Program. It’s designed specifically to help veterans who are delinquent on their loans get back on track without losing their house or their sanity.

Let’s break down how this works and how it might just be the "Easy Button" you’ve been looking for.

What Exactly is the VA Partial Claim Program?

Think of the Partial Claim Program as a giant cosmic "Undo" button for your mortgage delinquency. In the past, if you fell behind, you might have been forced into a "repayment plan" (where your monthly payment suddenly doubles to catch up) or a "loan modification" (which often means losing your original, lower interest rate).

The Partial Claim is different. It’s a non-profit-minded solution from the VA that allows your servicer to take the amount you owe: the "arrears": and park it in a separate, interest-free second lien.

Here’s the best part: You don't make monthly payments on that second lien. You just go back to making your regular, original mortgage payment. You only pay back the partial claim amount when you sell the house, refinance, or pay off the mortgage entirely.

The "Fine Print" (That’s Actually Pretty Good)

To keep things fair and functional, the VA has put a few guardrails on this program. Here is the "must-know" list:

  1. The 25% Cap: The VA will cover your overdue amount up to a cap of 25% of your unpaid principal balance. For example, if you owe $300,000 on your home, the VA could potentially help you with up to $75,000 in past-due payments, taxes, and insurance. (Note: If your hardship dates back to the COVID era, that cap might even be as high as 30%!)
  2. The 3-Month Trial: The VA wants to make sure you’re actually ready to resume payments. You’ll be placed on a three-month trial period. If you make those three payments on time, the VA steps in, cuts the check to bring your loan current, and records that 0% interest lien.
  3. Keep Your Rate: This is the big one. If you secured a 2.5% or 3% interest rate a few years ago, the last thing you want to do is modify your loan into today’s higher rates. The Partial Claim lets you keep your original rate and terms exactly as they are.

Conceptual illustration showing a 25 percent portion of a geometric circle, representing the 25% cap in the VA Partial Claim Program.

Why Operation T.A.G. Cares (And How We Can Help)

You might be wondering, "Why is an organization that gives out home-buying credits talking about foreclosure?"

Because our mission is simple: Build a Business. Build a Legacy. Make a Difference. One military family at a time.

We don't just want to see you get the keys; we want to see you keep them. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit project, and our heart is with the military community. Whether you are active duty, a reservist, a veteran with an honorable discharge, or a Gold Star spouse, we are in your corner.

While the VA Partial Claim Program is a tool to help you stay put, we also want to remind you that if you ever decide to move or refinance in the future, our flagship program is here for you.

The Hometown Hero Credit provides military families with a 2% credit up to $21,000 to help purchase or refinance a home.

A modern illustration of a veteran family standing hopefully in front of their home, representing the relief of staying in their house.

Immediate Next Steps: What Should You Do?

If you are behind on your payments, do not: we repeat, do not: ignore the mail or the phone calls. The VA Partial Claim Program is live as of June 15, 2026, but you have to be proactive.

  1. Call Your Mortgage Servicer: Ask them specifically about the "VA Partial Claim Program." They might still be updating their internal systems (they have until November to be fully automated), but they can start the process manually now.
  2. Ask About the Trial Plan: See what your trial payment would look like and get your financial documents (pay stubs, tax returns) ready.
  3. Contact the VA Directly: If your servicer isn't giving you clear answers, call the VA Loan Guaranty support line. They are there to advocate for you.
  4. Check Out Operation T.A.G.: Visit our website at www.OperationTAG.org to learn more about how our non-profit supports families like yours.

House keys on a patriotic keychain next to a document representing protection and home security.

You’ve Got This

Falling behind isn't a failure; it’s a hurdle. And hurdles are meant to be jumped. With the new VA Partial Claim Program and the support of the community here at Operation T.A.G., you have the tools to protect your home and your legacy.

We’re doing more than just saying “Thank you for your service.” We’re making sure that service is honored with tangible action. Whether you’re looking to save your current home or eventually move into your next one with our 2% credit up to $21,000, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Stay strong, stay informed, and don't hesitate to reach out.

Operation T.A.G. Hometown Hero Credit Badge

Brett Stacy
National Director & Founder of the Hometown Hero Credit
A program of Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude)
A 501(c)(3) non-profit project of HDCF

Websites: www.OperationTAG.org | www.HometownHeroCredit.com
Phone: 760-456-8748 (24-hour Information Line)


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