Canada’s big six banks will allow mortgage payment deferrals for up to six months as part of extraordinary measures to help customers struggling with the financial impacts of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

In a tweet on Wednesday morning, Neil Parmenter, president of the Canadian Bankers Association, said the measures are “effective immediately.” RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC and National Bank will also offer “opportunity for relief” on other credit products.

Effective immediately @BMO @cibc @nationalbank @RBC @scotiabank @TD_Canada offer support for Cdns impacted by #COVID19 incl. a 6-month payment deferral for mortgages, & opportunity for relief on other credit products. Talk to your bank

In a joint press release, the big six banks said they are committed to working with retail and business customers to provide “flexible solutions” for those facing hardship due to the disruptions caused by COVID-19.

It is unclear whether customers will be able to postpone mortgage payments interest-free. Global News asked all the big banks whether interest on deferred mortgage installments will accrue until borrowers make those payments.

Scotiabank told Global News it will be reviewing all requests for mortgage deferral “on a case-by-case basis,” adding it is committed “to working directly with our customers to provide relief from financial stresses due to COVID-19. ” However, it did not offer a blanket guarantee that mortgage deferrals will be interest-free.

National Bank also stopped short of saying deferred mortgage payments will not accrue interest. “There are different scenarios depending on client files and loan parameters,” the bank said.

“The objective is to allow clients to get back on their feet as quickly as possible, with sound advice,” it added.

RBC, TD, BMO and CIBC have not responded to Global News’ media request yet.

The announcement comes as Canada’s housing agency, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), has been working to ensure struggling homeowners aren’t forced into default during the health-care emergency.