Does OneMain have a hardship program?

Asked by: Aiyana Heidenreich  |  Last update: May 28, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (51 votes)

OneMain Financial offers borrower assistance programs for temporary hardships, like loan deferments (pausing payments) or temporary modifications (reduced payments/rates for 3-6 months), and sometimes permanent ones, by contacting them directly and proving a hardship like job loss or medical issues, potentially involving reduced payments or waiving fees. These options aim to make payments manageable, but you must contact OneMain to discuss your specific situation and qualify, providing income/expense details.

Does OneMain Financial offer hardship?

OneMain Financial Hardship Program

If you find yourself struggling with credit card debt, hardship programs can help. In order to find out if you qualify, contact OneMain directly. Provide as many details as possible about your financial situation. Be prepared to provide them with your monthly income and expenses.

What happens if I can't pay my OneMain Financial loan?

Late fees and interest.

Falling behind on loan payments can lead to late fees or missed payment penalties, which quickly increase the total amount you owe. Even if you stop making payments, interest continues to accrue, making the loan more expensive over time.

What is a financial hardship payment?

A temporary financial hardship arrangement is between you and your credit provider for a specific period and either lets you stop making your repayments (which is known as deferring your repayments) or requires you to continue making repayments for a specific period but at a reduced amount.

Does OneMain Financial work with debt relief programs?

Debt Relief Options for OneMain Financial Loan Holders

Nonprofit Credit Counseling: Our certified counselors provide a clear picture of your financial options. Customized Repayment Plans: We design a debt solution based on your income, expenses, and loan balances.

Why the First $100,000 Is the Hardest (And What No One Tells You About It)

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What happens if I can't afford to pay my personal loan?

Defaulting on a personal loan can result in late fees, credit score damage, and legal actions like wage garnishment or property liens. A personal loan default can severely harm your credit score, affecting future credit opportunities and lasting up to seven years on your credit report.

Who qualifies for a hardship payment?

Hardship payments are for people facing immediate, severe financial crises like job loss, sudden illness, natural disasters, eviction, or high medical bills, with eligibility depending on the specific program (IRS, lender, government aid) and requiring proof of income, expenses, and the "undue hardship" of the situation, often needing documentation like pay stubs or medical records. Key factors for qualification include low income, limited assets, and demonstrating a temporary inability to meet basic needs or debt obligations due to an unforeseen event. 

What qualifies as a hardship?

A hardship is generally an unforeseen, significant financial or personal difficulty preventing someone from meeting basic needs or obligations, such as job loss, major medical bills, funeral expenses, or preventing eviction/foreclosure. The IRS defines it as inability to pay reasonable living expenses (food, housing, healthcare). Specific criteria vary by context (e.g., loans, retirement plans, government aid), but usually involve an immediate, heavy need beyond one's control, often requiring proof like bills or income statements. 

What happens if I can't pay my OneMain loan?

If you are unable to repay your loan, OneMain can file a debt collection lawsuit against you. By suing you they are hoping to get a judgment against you. And what if they get a judgment? Then they could garnish your wages.

How much is a hardship loan?

The hardship payment is roughly 60% of the amount you were sanctioned by in the last month.

What is a good hardship reason?

People do this for many reasons, including: Unexpected medical expenses or treatments that are not covered by insurance. Costs related to the purchase or repair of a home, or eviction prevention. Tuition, educational fees and related expenses.

How to get free money if you're struggling?

If you're struggling financially, you can get free money through government programs (like SNAP, LIHEAP for utilities, TANF), charitable grants (via 211 or Turn2Us), local assistance (council schemes for rent/bills), or earning quick cash by selling unwanted items or doing gig work (delivery, babysitting). Focus on immediate needs with utility/rent help and long-term stability with benefits and job training.

What evidence do I need for a hardship payment?

Provide supporting documents along with your hardship letter to help prove the legitimacy of your claim. Depending on your situation, you might submit documents such as an unemployment notice, medical bills, military orders or a divorce decree.

Do loans disappear after 7 years?

Though it's a common myth, your debt doesn't disppear after seven years of nonpayment. Most debts drop off of your credit report after seven years, but in many cases, you'll still be on the hook to repay the debt.

What if I am unable to pay my personal loan?

Missing loan repayments or defaulting on a loan can severely damage your credit score, making it difficult for you to secure credit in the future. Increased interest rates: Lenders may increase the interest rate on your personal loan in case of repeated missed payments or defaults.

What is the rule of 78 for personal loans?

The “Rule of 78 method” refers to an interest/profit calculation method by multiplying the total interest/profit payable over the loan/financing tenure by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of periods remaining on such financing at the time the calculation is made, and the denominator of which is the sum ...