I purchased my home in 2004. It was in my price range and the payment on my 30 yr fixed rate mortgage was easily afforded, even by PA income levels. I bought the house for me and my mother after leaving Connecticut's high cost of living. After 2 years i returned to CT to help my younger brother get back on his feet. Well long story short, by 2006 my mother's job went overseas and between me being hospitalized for week and a car that wouldnt stay running, I ended up just 3 months behind. I applied for HAMP and after 9 months of trial payments, I was denied as the "investors" would lose money and gave this huge explanation about defering 20 thousand dollars to get my payment down to 31%., my principle balance is only 41 thousand.  The only option left they gave was a repayment plan which is now about 55% of my take home pay.  Is it really that hard to move my two payments I'm behind to the end of my 30 years? Sad thing is, this is rural PA and the amount I'm still behind is only about $1100 but given the wages around here, thats what i take home a month.  I realize compared these upside down mortgages , my situation isnt that bad. But the way I see it, I bought a home that was worth what i paid and i could afford but I cant get help because I was more responsible in picking and buying my home?