Mortgage holidays, and other payment holidays, have been extended as a result of new lockdown measures recently announced.
Martin Lewis announced on his website MoneySavingExpert.com that automatic mortgage payment holidays of up to 6 months are "on again", but advised to only take one if really needed.
Writing on his website, he explained: "The mortgage holiday regime ended on Saturday. Yet regulator the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has launched a tick-box consultation which means it almost certainly will return next week.
"It'll mean those struggling financially due to COVID who haven't had a mortgage payment holiday can near-automatically get one for 3 months, then another after 3months. Those who have already had one can extend or do it again up to a total 6 months."
Mr Lewis added: "Officially the FCA is saying not to contact lenders until it's all confirmed, however of the 13 major lenders we checked with, 10 still have active online portals, letting you apply for holidays now, and most have told us it's OK to do so."
Mr Lewis also issued a warning about taking the holidays, as interest is still charged.
"Remember interest is still charged, and while it won't go on your credit file, it can still affect your creditworthiness."
Additionally, the FCA has announced that millions of struggling households will be able to apply for extra support on their loans and debt repayments.
This will include payment breaks on loans, credit cards, car finance, rent to own, buy-now pay-later, pawnbroking and high-cost short-term credit, the regulator said.
In a statement on Monday, the FCA said it's in talks to extend measures to support those who will be affected by latest restrictions.
Find more information on mortgage holidays here.
