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Home / Guides / Abhaile

Abhaile: free expert help when you could lose your home

The short answerAbhaile is a free State scheme for people in serious arrears on their home mortgage. Through MABS it gives you vouchers for a personal insolvency practitioner, an accountant and a solicitor, and help at court if your lender goes for repossession.

If a letter about repossession has arrived, ring the MABS Helpline on 0818 07 2000 today. A dedicated mortgage arrears adviser works out what help you need and issues the vouchers.

Quick facts

Cost
Free
Run through
MABS
Services
7, including free solicitor and insolvency advice
Buy-to-let arrears
Not covered
Helpline
0818 07 2000

Who qualifies

Arrears on a buy-to-let are not covered, but you can still qualify for your own home if you also own one. Your home must not be out of proportion to your reasonable needs.

What you get, free

If you already have court papers

"If your mortgage lender has already issued repossession proceedings against your home, and you have not yet applied for the Scheme, you should contact MABS as soon as possible".

On the day, arrive early and ask for MABS. The duty solicitor can explain what you are doing to sort the arrears and ask for the case to be adjourned, but cannot defend the case for you.

How to get it

Ring the MABS Helpline on 0818 07 2000, 9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, or contact your local MABS office. Everything under Abhaile is free if you qualify.

Common questions

Is Abhaile free?

Yes. Abhaile services are free of charge to borrowers who qualify.

Who qualifies for Abhaile?

People who are insolvent, in arrears on their home mortgage, and at risk of losing their home, for example because the lender has started or threatened repossession.

Does Abhaile cover buy-to-let mortgages?

No. Arrears on a buy-to-let are not covered, although you can still qualify for your own home.

How do I apply for Abhaile?

Ring the MABS Helpline on 0818 07 2000 or contact your local MABS office.

Can Abhaile help at a repossession hearing?

Yes. Court mentors and a duty solicitor attend Circuit Court repossession hearings, and a consultation solicitor can advise you beforehand.

Source: Citizens Information: Abhaile - free mortgage arrears support, read 30 September 2026. Every figure on this page is quoted from there. If it changes, this page is wrong until we fix it — tell us and we will.

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