I was given a grace for a defined interval - I think it was between 4 and 6 months, depending on the creditor. They also gave me a lower APR during that time frame.
Caution - I was required to close one account in order to get into this program. At the time, though, I chose to close it rather than take the risk of defaulting. Some creditors were not willing to help with reduced payments, but the ones that were offset my monthly expenses by enough money that I was able to keep up anyway.
I also contacted my auto lenders and asked them to take one payment and move it to the end of my loan. It cost a small fee, but it was also a big help, and they will do this twice a year as long as I don't make late payments in between.
Perhaps your mortgage lender will be willing to do the same if you call back and propose it as a solution. I've heard that some mortgage lenders will do this occasionally upon request, but don't have any experience with them.
Fingers crossed for you.
5/11/08 FICOs: EQ - 551
8/6/08 FICOs: EQ - 659, EX - 663, TU - 683