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Hardship Letter
Free hardship letter template for requesting a payment plan, loan modification, or fee waiver due to financial hardship.
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This free hardship letter covers What happened, My request, Supporting information with 8 clearly marked [placeholder] fields to fill in — built for small businesses and individuals documenting a loan or expense putting financial terms in writing so both sides have a clear, shared record. Copy it into your own word processor, fill in the placeholders, and review it — or adapt it — before use. It's part of docstoc's free document template library, alongside business, legal, real estate, finance, and HR templates. Every template here is free to copy with no signup required, and each one carries a plain disclaimer: this is a starting point for informational purposes, not a substitute for advice from a licensed professional in your jurisdiction.
Hardship Letter
[Your Name] [Date]
[Lender/Landlord/Creditor Name]
RE: Request for [Payment Plan / Loan Modification / Fee Waiver] — Account #[Number]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to request [specific ask — e.g. "a temporary reduction in my monthly payment" or "a waiver of the late fee on my account"] due to financial hardship.
What happened
[Brief, factual explanation — job loss, medical issue, reduced hours. Specific but doesn't need to be exhaustive.]
My request
[Exactly what you're asking for — a specific new payment amount, a specific waiver, a specific timeframe.]
Supporting information
[Reference any documentation you're attaching — pay stubs, medical bills, termination letter.]
I have been a [customer/tenant/borrower] in good standing and am committed to resolving this. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss options.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Contact Information]
*Being specific about the exact accommodation you're asking for (not just "please help") gives the reader something concrete to say yes to.*
Edit directly in the box above. Download PDF anytime — the docstoc.io footer is always included and cannot be removed.
What's included
- Edit online — click the document, fill in placeholders, download a PDF
- 3 standard sections: What happened, My request, Supporting information
- 8 clearly marked [placeholder] fields for quick personalizing
- Free to use — no account or signup required
- Fully editable — adjust any clause to match your actual situation
- Fixed docstoc.io footer on every PDF (not removable)
Who this template is for
Freelancers & solo founders
Handling routine business paperwork without commissioning custom legal drafting for every document.
Small businesses
Standardizing recurring documents — leases, agreements, notices — across a growing operation.
Anyone reviewing before signing
Using a clear starting structure to understand what a document should cover, even if a lawyer finalizes it.
Informal lending & reimbursements
Money changing hands between people or a business and its team, without a bank's paperwork.
FAQ
Is this hardship letter template really free?
Yes — this Hardship Letter template on docstoc is free to view, edit online, and download as a PDF with no account or signup required.
What does this hardship letter cover?
This finance template includes What happened, My request, Supporting information. Fill in the [bracketed] placeholders, edit any clause online, then download a PDF — the docstoc.io footer stays on every export.
Is this legal advice?
No. This covers the standard structure, not the interest-rate limits, disclosure requirements, or tax implications that can apply depending on your state and the amount involved. Check those specifics with an accountant or financial attorney before you rely on it.
Can I edit the wording?
Yes. All 8 placeholder fields and every clause are editable right on the page — change what doesn't fit, then download an updated PDF anytime.
Where can I find more free templates like this?
Browse more free finance and related document templates in the docstoc library at /document-templates/.
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Why use this instead of a generic template
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Templates are drafted for general use, not a substitute for legal advice — check the note on each page for specifics.
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Speed
Copy the subject and body directly — no form to fill in, no export step, no waiting on a download link.
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API available
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