A deferment is a period of time in which a borrower may postpone monthly principal and interest payments on a Stafford, PLUS, or Grad PLUS loan. Deferments are generally granted during periods of financial hardship, returning to school, disability, public service or unemployment. Below is a list of available deferment options.
For qualification and application information, click on the link of the deferment option that is most relevant to your needs.
Disability
For borrowers with outstanding loans made prior to July 1, 1993.
To qualify for a Disability Deferment, the borrower must be disabled and unable to work or attend school for at least 60 days. You may also qualify if you have a dependent who requires at least 90 days of continuous care during which you can not work more than 30 hours a week.
Disability Deferment can be granted for up to three years; however, recertification, of the disability is required every six months. If the borrower's disability is determined to be permanent, he or she may qualify to have their loan debt cancelled.
If you believe you are eligible to receive a Disability Deferment, you will need to complete the Disability Deferment Form Review the eligibility information included and attach any additional documentation required.
Total and Permanent Disability Discharge
You may be eligible to have your Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL), Perkins Loans or Teacher Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant service obligations discharged if you are Totally and Permanently disabled.
Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) is defined as “unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death, has lasted for a continuous period of not less than 60 months, or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 60 months”.
If you believe you may qualify for a Total and Permanent Disability Discharge, please contact the Total and Permanent Disability Federal Servicer directly at:
Website: https://www.disabilitydischarge.com
Email: disabilityinformation@nelnet.net
Phone: 1-888-303-7818
Economic Hardship
An Economic Hardship Deferment is intended to aid borrowers who earn less than the minimum wage or who are receiving payments under a federal or state public assistance program. To apply for an Economic Hardship Deferment the borrower must meet at least one of the following eligibility criteria:
Option 1: Check this option if borrower has been granted an economic hardship deferment under Federal Perkins Loan Program for the same period for which borrower is requesting this deferment. (Must attach documentation of the deferment.)
Option 2: Check this option if borrower is receiving payment from federal or state assistance programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Food Stamps, or state general public assistance. (Must attach documentation of the deferment).
Option 3: Check this option if borrower is serving as a Peace Corps volunteer. (Must attach documentation certifying period of service in the Peace Corps.)
Option 4: Check this option if borrower is working full time and the monthly gross income does not exceed the greater of (a) or (b):
(a) Federal Minimum Wage Rate (monthly amount, based on $7.25 an hour): $1,257.67
(b) The Monthly Poverty Guideline for my family size and state as listed in the poverty guideline chart.
Borrower's Family Size | Alaska | Hawaii | All Others |
---|---|---|---|
1 | $2,351.00 | $2,164.00 | $1,883.00 |
2 | $3,193.00 | $2,938.00 | $2,555.00 |
3 | $4,034.00 | $3,711.00 | $3,288.00 |
4 | $4,875.00 | $4,485.00 | $3,900.00 |
5 | $5,716.00 | $5,359.00 | $4,573.00 |
6 | $6,558.00 | $6,033.00 | $5,245.00 |
7 | $7,399.00 | $6,806.00 | $5,918.00 |
8 | $8,240.00 | $7,580.00 | $6,590.00 |
Each Additional person add: | $842.00 | $774.00 | $672.00 |
If you believe you are eligible to receive an Economic Hardship Deferment you will need to complete the Economic Hardship Deferment Form, review the eligibility information included, fill it out completely (attaching any additional documentation required), sign, and return it.
Education Related
- Participating in a full-time Graduate Fellowship Program
- Participating in a full-time Rehabilitation Training Program
- Participating in an Internship Program*
- Participating in a Residency Program*
- Teaching in a Designated Teacher Shortage Area*
If you believe you are eligible to receive an Education Related Deferment you will need to complete the Education Related Deferment Form. Review the eligibility information included and attach any additional documentation required.
*The Deferment form is for borrowers with an outstanding balance on at least one FFEL Program loan that was made before July 1, 1993, or who had an outstanding balance on a loan made before July 1, 1993, when he or she obtained a loan on or after July 1, 1993.
In-School
If you believe you are eligible to receive an In-School Deferment, you will need to complete the In-School Deferment Form. Review the eligibility information included and attach any additional documentation required.
Military
- Federal Stafford loans (both subsidized and unsubsidized), Federal PLUS loans, and Federal Perkins loans, that were first disbursed on or after July 1, 2001, and
- Federal Consolidation Loans only if all of my Title IV loans included in the consolidation loan were first disbursed on or after July 1, 2001.
- Serving on active duty during a war or other military operation or national emergency. The borrower must provide the loan holder with a copy of the military orders or a written statement from the commanding or personnel officer. Or, the borrower must have the commanding or personnel officer certify Section 4 on this form; or
- Performing qualifying National Guard duty during a war or other military operation or national emergency. The borrower must provide the loan holder with a copy of the military orders or a written statement from the commanding or personnel officer. Or, the borrower must have the commanding or personnel officer certify Section 4.
- You will need to complete the Military and Post-Active Duty Deferment Form
- Download or print the deferment form.
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Review the eligibility information included and attach any additional documentation required as described below.
- Provide a copy of military orders or a written statement from a commanding or personnel officer,
- OR, have the commanding or personnel officer certify Section 4 on the deferment form.
PLUS
- Provided that the borrower was a PLUS loan borrower on or after July 1, 1987, but before July 1, 1993, and has an outstanding balance.
- Provided that the borrower has a Federal PLUS loan that was first disbursed on or after July 1, 2008, and has an outstanding balance.
Unemployment
If you believe you are eligible to receive an Unemployment Deferment, you will need to complete the Unemployment Deferment Form. Review the eligibility information included, fill it out completely (attaching any additional documentation required), sign and return it.