Deferment

Deferment is a period of time when you are not required to make payments on your federal student loan. If your loan type is a subsidized Stafford Loan, the federal government will pay your interest during deferment periods.

Interest

If your loan type is unsubsidized Stafford, parent PLUS, or PLUS for graduate/professional students, you are still responsible for paying the interest that will continue to accrue during authorized periods of deferment. If you do not make interest payments during deferment, the amount of interest will be added to your principal balance when your deferment ends, increasing your total debt.

Eligibility

Deferment types vary depending on the type of loan as well as the date when you borrowed. Deferment types and eligibility criteria are outlined by the U.S. Department of Education.

If you know the type of deferment for which you are eligible, you can download the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) deferment request form.

Requesting a deferment

• Submit a written request to your loan holder.
• Be sure to provide all required documentation.
• Keep a copy of your deferment request form, and follow up with your loan holder until your deferment is granted or denied.
• Do not stop making payments until you receive a written notice that your deferment is granted.
• Note when your deferment is scheduled to end and know the date you must begin making payments again.