# 36.4801 Definitions.
The following definitions of terms apply to this subpart:
*Alternative to foreclosure* means an alternative to foreclosure for which the Secretary may pay an incentive under § 36.4319. These alternatives include compromise sale (sometimes called a short sale) and deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.
*COVID-19 forbearance* means any forbearance of scheduled monthly guaranteed loan payments, granted to a veteran under section 4022 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (Public Law 116-136). It can also include any forbearance of scheduled monthly guaranteed loan payments, granted to a veteran for a financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the COVID-19 national emergency.
*COVID-19 indebtedness* means the dollar amount the veteran is obligated to pay under the guaranteed loan terms, but that is not collected during a COVID-19 forbearance.
*Guaranteed loan* means a loan guaranteed under chapter 37 of title 38, United States Code.
*Loss-mitigation option* means a loss-mitigation option for which the Secretary may pay an incentive under § 36.4319. These options include a repayment plan, special forbearance, and loan modification.
*Secretary* means the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or any employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) authorized to act in the Secretary's stead.
*Servicer* means, for the purposes of this subpart, the holder, servicer, or servicing agent, as defined in § 36.4301. The terms can apply jointly or severally, or jointly and severally.
(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3703(c), 3720, 3732)