Last updated: March 1, 2026
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are organizations certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide free or low-cost advice on buying a home, renting, default, foreclosure avoidance, and credit issues. These counselors are trained professionals who can help you understand your options and navigate financial hardship.
HUD-approved counselors can assist you with:
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development maintains a searchable database of HUD-approved housing counseling agencies across the country. You can find a counselor by:
Counseling services are available in multiple languages and can be conducted in person, over the phone, or online.
During your initial counseling session, you can expect:
Most initial counseling sessions are free. If there is a fee, the agency must disclose it before the session begins. You should never pay a large upfront fee for housing counseling.
While a HUD counseling certificate is not required to apply for an HCG grant, applicants who have completed HUD-approved counseling may receive priority consideration. Having a counseling certificate demonstrates proactive financial management and can strengthen your application.
If you have questions about HUD counseling or need help finding a counselor, contact HCG at 401-965-6420.