Vets can get home loan aid

Question: I am having problems with my mortgage that was obtained with my Department of Veterans Affairs home loan. Can the VA provide some assistance?

Answer: There are VA counselors at nine regional loan centers who help people with VA-guaranteed loans avoid foreclosure through counseling and special financing arrangements. VA counselors have helped about 74,000 veterans, active-duty members and survivors keep their homes since 2000, a savings to the government of nearly $1.5 billion. Depending on a veteran's circumstances, the VA can intercede with the borrower on the veteran's behalf to pursue options -- such as repayment plans, forbearance, and loan modifications -- that would allow a veteran to keep a home. Call the VA toll-free at (877) 827-3702. Information about VA's home loan guaranty program can be obtained at www.homeloans.va.gov. Information also can be obtained by contacting the VA at (800) 827-1000.

If you have questions about your benefits as a veteran, call Fred Ballard at the Department of Veterans Affairs at 433-0049.

If you have questions about your benefits as a veteran, call Fred Ballard at the Veterans Affairs at 433-0049 or visit the VA Web site at www.va.gov/hawaii or the Star-Bulletin at 529-4747.

Gregg K. Kakesako, who covers military affairs for the Star-Bulletin, can be reached by phone at 294-4075 or by e-mail at gkakesako@starbulletin.com. See also: In The Military