How to Get Your Student Loans Deferred

Student loan deferment offers a temporary pause in required loan payments, providing borrowers with financial relief during challenging circumstances. Understanding the available deferment types and the process to apply can help manage federal student loan debt during periods of financial strain.

Understanding Deferment Eligibility

Numerous federal student loan deferment options exist, each with distinct eligibility criteria. One common type is In-School Deferment, which applies if you are enrolled at least half-time at an eligible college or career school. In many cases, this deferment is applied automatically based on enrollment reporting from your school.

Unemployment Deferment provides relief if you are actively seeking full-time employment or are receiving unemployment benefits. This deferment can be granted for up to three years. Economic Hardship Deferment is another option for those facing financial difficulties, such as receiving means-tested government benefits like welfare, or if your full-time income is less than the federal minimum wage or 150% of the poverty guideline for your family size. This deferment can also last up to three years and requires reapplication annually.

Military Service Deferment is available if you are on active duty during a war, military operation, or national emergency. This deferment can cover the duration of active duty service and potentially an additional period post-active duty. Cancer Treatment Deferment allows borrowers to pause payments while undergoing cancer treatment and for six months following the conclusion of treatment, with no fixed time limit on the total deferment period.

Graduate Fellowship Deferment is an option for individuals enrolled in an approved graduate fellowship program. To qualify, you typically need a bachelor’s degree and acceptance into a full-time program that provides financial support and requires periodic progress reports. Rehabilitation Training Deferment may be available if you are enrolled in an approved rehabilitation training program. This includes programs for vocational, drug abuse, mental health, or alcohol abuse treatment, provided they are structured with a substantial commitment to rehabilitation and are licensed or recognized by relevant agencies.

Preparing Your Deferment Application

Before submitting a deferment application, gathering specific information and supporting documentation is necessary. You will need your full name, Social Security Number, and current contact information, along with your federal student loan servicer’s details. Knowing the specific dates for your qualifying event, such as the start and end of a period of unemployment or enrollment, is also necessary.

Each deferment type requires particular forms of documentation to substantiate your eligibility. For In-School Deferment, proof of half-time enrollment from your educational institution is typically required. Unemployment Deferment may necessitate copies of unemployment benefit statements or a signed statement confirming you are actively seeking full-time employment. Economic Hardship Deferment applications often require income details, family size information, and evidence of receiving means-tested benefits, if applicable.

Military Service Deferment typically requires official military orders or a written statement from a commanding officer. For Cancer Treatment Deferment, a physician’s certification confirming the treatment and its dates is necessary. Graduate Fellowship and Rehabilitation Training Deferment requests usually need a statement from an authorized official of the program, verifying your enrollment and commitment. Official deferment application forms are available on your loan servicer’s website or the Federal Student Aid website. Review the form instructions carefully to ensure all informational fields are accurately completed, as precision helps avoid processing delays.

Completing the Deferment Process

Once you have completed the deferment application form and gathered all necessary supporting documents, submit them to your loan servicer. Most federal student loan servicers offer multiple submission methods, including mailing the completed form and documents, uploading them through an online portal, or faxing. Keep copies of everything you submit for your records, and if mailing, consider using a method that provides tracking.

After submission, your loan servicer will review the application and documentation. Processing times can vary. During this period, you should monitor your loan account online and through correspondence for updates. If additional information is required, your servicer will contact you, and providing it promptly can prevent further delays.

Upon approval, you will receive confirmation from your loan servicer, and your loan payments will be paused according to the deferment terms. Interest may continue to accrue on unsubsidized federal loans, Direct PLUS Loans, and FFEL Program loans during deferment, potentially increasing your total loan balance. If the deferment is denied, your servicer will inform you of the reason. You may have the option to appeal the decision or explore alternative repayment relief options, such as forbearance, which allows for temporary payment suspension but typically accrues interest on all loan types.