Telephone and video counseling for homeowners seeking a reverse mortgage will be allowed while Massachusetts remains under a state of emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic.

New legislation effective April 20 that placed a moratorium on foreclosures and evictions also established the temporary change to in-person counseling requirements for homeowners seeking a reverse mortgage.

Once Gov. Charlie Baker lifts the state of emergency, the in-person counseling requirement will resume, according to industry guidance from Division of Banks Commissioner Mary Gallagher.

In-person meetings had become a concern in the industry because reverse mortgages are for homeowners age 62 or older, a demographic considered vulnerable during the pandemic.

While borrowers still have the option to meet with counselors in person, real-time video conferences and telephone calls will also be accepted. Because video conferencing is not an option on the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development’s counseling certificate, Gallagher said in her memo that the box for telephone counseling can be checked instead.

The new guidance applies to all types of reverse mortgages in Massachusetts, including any approved private or proprietary reverse mortgage programs.