In a hardship letter, you need to explain three things:
(1.) How you got into your present situation
(2.) What you have done to try to get out this situation
(3.) Why this situation is permanent because nothing you can do will change it
You should put as much details as possible into a hardship letter. Use numbers and percentages to explain loss of income, negative cash flow, or how your life has otherwise changed for the worse. For example, use specific dollar amounts, percent increases or reductions, and time periods where it makes sense.
List of your hardships and all that you’re going through … Paint the worst picture that you honestly can.
- If your car needs repair
- If your hospital / vet bills are growing
- If you’re having a hard time putting food on the table
- If you’ve taken on multiple or low-paying jobs
- If you’re now supporting other people
Keep the wording of your letter at a 6th-grade level.
After you finish the letter and read it to yourself, if you don’t feel sorry for yourself, you didn’t do a good enough job explaining your hardship.