Prior to applying for the loan, it is required that you are made aware of the terms and conditions of the loan through sources provided by HUD, and to protect you from receiving incorrect information. The lender must be in receipt of the counseling certificate before they can close the loan. Contact the Housing Counseling Clearinghouse at 1-800-569-4287 to obtain the name and telephone number of a HUD-approved counseling agency. I can also provide you with the list of HUD-approved reverse mortgage counseling agencies.