The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issued Circular 26-21-04 update the forbearance guidelines and Circular 26-21-05 extend foreclosure and eviction measures for borrowers affected by COVID-19.

Circular 26-21-04 states that VA expects duty officers to approve a veteran’s request for COVID-19 forbearance, or continued forbearance, regardless of the default status of the secured loan by VA. Duty officers can approve a Veteran’s initial COVID-19 forbearance request if made by June 30, 2021. The initial request can be granted for a period of up to six months, which can be extended by six more months. Veterans who requested initial COVID-19 forbearance by June 30, 2020 may also request up to two additional three-month forbearance periods, after the expiration of the twelve-month forbearance period. . None of these additional periods may extend beyond December 31, 2021. Service providers must waive all late charges, fees and penalties related to missed payments during a COVID-19 forbearance.

As discussed in a precedent WBK Article earlier this year, VA extended the relief on foreclosures and evictions until February 28, 2021. Circular 26-21-05 extends the moratorium on foreclosures and evictions until June 30, 2021.