Deferments
A deferment is a period of time when the borrower is not required to make payments. There are a variety of deferments to help you during periods of enrollment in school, unemployment, or special situations.
Not all borrowers are eligible for every deferment. To see a list of deferments for which you may be eligible, determine whether your first loan was disbursed before or after July 1, 1993 and click on the links above.
Loans Before July 1, 1993
In-School Deferment
You can receive this deferment if you return to school half-time or full-time after your grace period has expired and your loans have entered repayment. It is your responsibility to contact your lender/servicer to give them required documentation verifying your enrollment.
- If your first loan was taken out prior to July 1, 1987, you must be enrolled as a full-time student at an eligible school to qualify for an in-school deferment.
- If your first loan was taken out after July 1, 1987, you must be enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school to qualify for an in-school deferment.
Unemployment Deferment
You are eligible for this deferment if you are unemployed. Unemployment can be defined as working less than 30 hours per week, actively seeking full-time employment, and being registered with an employment agency. You will not be eligible for the unemployment deferment if you refuse to consider jobs that you feel overly qualified for.
- If your first loan was taken out prior to July 1, 1993, you can have this deferment for a maximum of 24 months.
- If your first loan was taken out after July 1, 1993, you can have this deferment for a maximum of 36 months.
Note: To obtain an extension of a previous unemployment deferment, you must request it from your lender/servicer.
Miscellaneous Deferments
Loans before July 1,1993
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