Deferment

Deferments allow you to temporarily postpone the payment of your loan. Deferments are not automatic; you must apply and be approved by the Direct Loan Servicing Center. The most common reasons for deferment include:

• Return to school for at least half-time attendance (form L-50A)
• Loss of job or inability to find a job (form L-50D)
• Economic hardship (form L-50H)
• On active duty during war, national emergency or military operation (form L-50I)

During periods of deferment on subsidized Stafford loans, the principal payments are postponed and interest is paid by the federal government. However, you are responsible for interest that accrues on any unsubsidized Stafford loan.

Other deferments available for loans disbursed prior to 7.1.1993:

• Education related deferment (form L-50C)
• Parental leave/working mother deferment (form L-50G)
• PLUS borrower with dependent student deferment (form L-50B)
• Public service deferment (form L-50E)
• Temporary total disability deferment (form L-50F)
• U.S. Department of Education deferment/forbearance information