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There has been a lot of press about the Government's continuing attempts to aid all those who are finding it hard to keep up with their mortgage repayments – but are you able to take advantage of this aid, and if so what do you have to do?

The Government, over the last six months, have released a raft of measures to aid the market – Income Support for Mortgage Interest, the Homeowner Mortgage Support Scheme, the Mortgage Rescue Scheme – and many more. Of course, in the spirit of bureaucracy, the names and the explanation for the schemes are confusing and impossible to decipher. That's why you need to seek some professional advice to get your head round the help.

Basically, there are several options open to people, depending on their situation and the level of debt they have found themselves in. It also depends on the mortgage lender they are signed up with, as different lenders are offering different measures. Help can range from payment breaks or a reassessment of the rate to two years of deferred mortgage payments.

The problem is the schemes have one million and one boxes that have to be ticked before any help can be sought, and that will take someone with an expert knowledge in mortgages.

A mortgage adviser will be able to look at your situation and give you all the advice you need in accessing mortgage aid. The banks and the building societies have all pledged to do all they can to keep their borrowers in their homes, because repossession helps no one, so there is a good chance you will be able to get help. The key is finding the right help at the right time.

To Keep up with news and comments on the current adverse credit market please visit the Adverse Mortgage Blog.