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The Fedloan Servicing Deferment form is an essential document for borrowers seeking to temporarily postpone their student loan payments while they pursue their education. This form is specifically designed for individuals enrolled at least half-time in an eligible educational institution, allowing them to defer repayment on various types of federal loans, including Direct Loans, Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL), and Perkins Loans. The form includes several sections that require borrowers to provide personal information, such as their Social Security number, name, and contact details. Additionally, it prompts borrowers to assess their eligibility for deferment and to certify their understanding of the terms associated with it. This includes the possibility of capitalized interest during the deferment period, which can affect the total amount owed. Borrowers must also obtain certification from an authorized official at their school to verify their enrollment status. With clear instructions on how to complete the form and where to send it, the Fedloan Servicing Deferment form serves as a crucial tool for managing student loan obligations while focusing on academic pursuits.

Sample - Fedloan Servicing Deferment Form

IN-SCHOOL DEFERMENT REQUEST

OMB No. 1845-0011

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program / Federal Family

Form Approved

Exp. Date 8/31/2021

Education Loan (FFEL) Program / Federal Perkins Loan (Perkins Loan) Program

WARNING: Any person who knowingly makes a false statement or misrepresentation on this form or on

SCH any accompanying document is subject to penalties that may include fines, imprisonment, or both, under the U.S. Criminal Code and 20 U.S.C. 1097.

SECTION 1: BORROWER INFORMATION

Please enter or correct the following information.

Check this box if any of your information has changed.

SSN

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City

 

 

State

 

Zip Code

 

Telephone - Primary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Telephone - Alternate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Email (Optional)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 2: BORROWER DETERMINATION OF DEFERMENT ELIGIBILITY

Carefully read the entire form before completing it.

You are eligible for this deferment only if you are enrolled at least half time at an eligible school (see Section 6).

SECTION 3: BORROWER REQUESTS, UNDERSTANDINGS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND AUTHORIZATION

Irequest:

To defer repayment of my loans for the period during which I meet the eligibility criteria outlined in Section 2 and as certified by the authorized official in Section 4.

If checked, to make interest payments on my loans during my deferment.

If checked, to defer repayment on my PLUS Loan first disbursed on or after July 1, 2008 for the 6-month period after I graduate, withdraw, or am no longer enrolled on at least a half-time basis.

I understand that:

I am not required to make payments of loan principal or interest during my deferment.

My deferment will begin, as certified by the authorized official, on the date I became eligible for the deferment.

My deferment will end, as certified by the authorized official, on the date I no longer qualify for the deferment.

If I am a Perkins Loan borrower, I will receive a 6-month post-deferment grace period beginning on the date I no longer qualify for the deferment.

If I am a graduate or professional student borrower of a Direct or Federal PLUS Loan first disbursed on or after July 1, 2008, I will also receive a deferment on this loan during the 6-month period after I am no longer enrolled at least a half time.

If I am a parent borrower of a Direct or Federal PLUS Loan first disbursed on or after July 1, 2008, and I request it above, I will receive another deferment on this loan during the 6-month period after I am no longer enrolled at least half time.

My loan holder may grant me a forbearance while processing my form or to cover any period of delinquency that exists when I submit my form.

Unpaid interest may capitalize on my loans during or at the expiration of my deferment or forbearance, but interest never capitalizes on Perkins Loans.

Page 1 of 4

Borrower NameBorrower SSN

SECTION 3: BORROWER REQUESTS, UNDERSTANDINGS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND AUTHORIZATION (CONTINUED)

I certify that:

The information I have provided on this form is true and correct.

I will provide additional documentation to my loan holder, as required, to support my deferment eligibility.

I will notify my loan holder immediately when my eligibility for the deferment ends.

I have read, understand, and meet the eligibility requirements in Section 2.

I authorize the entity to which I submit this request and its agents to contact me regarding my request or my loans at any cellular telephone number that I provide now or in the future using automated telephone dialing equipment or artificial or prerecorded voice or text messages.

Borrower's Signature

 

Date

SECTION 4: AUTHORIZED OFFICIAL'S CERTIFICATION

 

Note: As an alternative to completing this section, you may attach separate documentation from an authorized official that includes all of the information requested below or have your school report your enrollment to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) at nsldsfap.ed.gov.

The student is/was enrolled at the school below:

Full time

At least half time, but less than full time

Is the student enrolled at the school below as a regular student?

Yes

No

The student's enrollment status begins/began on:

The student's enrollment status ends/ended on:

The student is expected to complete his/her program requirements on:

I certify, to the best of my knowledge and belief, that the information that I have provided in this section is accurate.

Name of School

 

 

 

 

OPEID

 

 

 

Address

 

City

 

 

State

 

 

Zip Code

 

Official's Name/Title

 

 

 

Telephone

 

 

 

 

Official's Signature

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

 

 

SECTION 5: INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE DEFERMENT REQUEST

Type or print using dark ink. Enter dates as month-day-year (mm-dd-yyyy). Example: March 14, 2019 = 03-14-2019. Include your name and account number on any documentation that you are required to submit with this form. If you want to apply for a deferment on loans that are held by different loan holders, you must submit a separate deferment request to each loan holder. If you have loans made jointly (as co-makers), both borrowers must individually meet the requirements for a deferment and each of you must submit a separate deferment request. Return the completed form and any required documentation to the address shown in Section 7.

Page 2 of 4

SECTION 6: DEFINITIONS

 

The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan)

A deferment is a period during which you are entitled to

Program includes Federal Direct Stafford/Ford (Direct

postpone repayment of your loans. Interest is not generally

Subsidized) Loans, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford/

charged to you during a deferment on your subsidized loans.

Ford (Direct Unsubsidized) Loans, Federal Direct PLUS

Interest is always charged to you during a deferment on your

(Direct PLUS) Loans, and Federal Direct Consolidation

unsubsidized loans. On loans made under the Perkins Loan

(Direct Consolidation) Loans.

 

 

Program, all deferments are followed by a post-deferment

 

The Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program

grace period of 6 months, during which time you are not

 

required to make payments.

 

 

 

includes Federal Stafford Loans, Federal PLUS Loans, Federal

 

 

 

An eligible school is a school that has been approved by

Consolidation Loans, and Federal Supplemental Loans for

Students (SLS).

 

 

the Department to participate in the Department's Federal

 

The Federal Perkins Loan (Perkins Loan) Program

Student Aid programs, even if the school does not participate

includes Federal Perkins Loans, National Direct Student

in those programs.

 

 

 

 

Loans (NDSL), and National Defense Student Loans (Defense

A forbearance is a period during which you are permitted

Loans).

 

 

 

 

to postpone making payments temporarily, allowed an

 

An authorized official who may complete Section 4 is

 

extension of time for making payments, or temporarily

an official of the school where you are/were enrolled.

allowed to make smaller payments than scheduled.

 

Capitalization is the addition of unpaid interest to the

The holder of your Direct Loans is the Department. The

principal balance of your loan. Capitalization causes more

holder of your FFEL Program loans may be a lender, guaranty

interest to accrue over the life of your loan and may cause

agency, secondary market, or the Department. The holder of

your monthly payment amount to increase. Interest never

your Perkins Loans is an institution of higher education or the

capitalizes on Perkins Loans. Table 1 (below) provides an

Department. Your loan holder may use a servicer to handle

example of the monthly payments and the total amount

billing and other communications related to your loans.

repaid for a $30,000 unsubsidized loan. The example loan

References to “your loan holder” on this form mean either

has a 6% interest rate and the example deferment or

your loan holder or your servicer.

 

 

forbearance lasts for 12 months and begins when the loan

A regular student is a person who is enrolled or accepted

entered repayment. The example compares the effects of

for enrollment at an institution for the purpose of obtaining a

paying the interest as it accrues or allowing it to capitalize.

degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential

 

A co-maker is one of the two individuals whoa re joint

 

offered by the institution.

 

 

 

borrowers on a Direct or Federal Consolidation Loan or a

A subsidized loan is a Direct Subsidized Loan, a Direct

Federal PLUS Loan. Both borrowers are equally responsible

Subsidized Consolidation Loan, a Federal Subsidized Stafford

for repaying the full amount of the loan.

 

 

Loan, portions of some Federal Consolidation Loans, a Federal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perkins Loan, an NDSL, and a Defense Loan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

An unsubsidized loan is a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, a

 

 

 

 

Direct Unsubsidized Consolidation Loan, a Direct PLUS Loan, a

 

 

 

 

Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, a Federal PLUS Loan, a

 

 

 

 

Federal SLS, and portions of some Federal Consolidation

 

 

 

 

Loans.

 

 

 

 

Table 1. Capitalization Chart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treatment of Interest with

Loan

Capitalized

Outstanding

 

Monthly

Number of

Total

 

Deferment/Forbearance

Amount

Interest

Principal

 

Payment

Payments

Repaid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest is paid

$30,000

$0

$30,000

 

$333

120

$41,767

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest is capitalized at the

$30,000

$1,800

$31,800

 

$353

120

$42,365

 

 

end

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest is capitalized

$30,000

$1,841

$31,841

 

$354

120

$42,420

 

 

quarterly and at the end

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 3 of 4

SECTION 7: WHERE TO SEND THE COMPLETED DEFERMENT REQUEST

Return the completed form and any documentation to:

If you need help completing this form, call:

(If no address is shown, return to your loan holder.)

(If no phone number is shown, call your loan holder.)

SECTION 8: IMPORTANT NOTICES

Privacy Act Notice. The Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C.

 

To assist program administrators with tracking refunds

552a) requires that the following notice be provided to you:

and cancellations, disclosures may be made to guaranty

The authorities for collecting the requested information

agencies, to financial and educational institutions, or to

federal or state agencies. To provide a standardized method

from and about you are §421 et seq., §451 et seq., or §461

for educational institutions to efficiently submit student

et. seq. of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (20

enrollment statuses, disclosures may be made to guaranty

U.S.C. 1071 et seq., 20 U.S.C. 1087a et seq., or 20 U.S.C.

 

 

agencies or to financial and educational institutions. To

1087aa et seq.) and the authorities for collecting and using

counsel you in repayment efforts, disclosures may be made

your Social Security Number (SSN) are §§428B(f) and 484(a)

to guaranty agencies, to financial and educational

(4) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1078-2(f) and 1091(a)(4)) and 31

 

 

institutions, or to federal, state, or local agencies.

U.S.C. 7701(b). Participating in the William D. Ford Federal

 

Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program, Federal Family Education

In the event of litigation, we may send records to the

Loan (FFEL) Program, or Federal Perkins Loan (Perkins Loan)

Department of Justice, a court, adjudicative body, counsel,

Program and giving us your SSN are voluntary, but you must

party, or witness if the disclosure is relevant and necessary

provide the requested information, including your SSN, to

to the litigation. If this information, either alone or with

participate.

 

other information, indicates a potential violation of law, we

The principal purposes for collecting the information on

may send it to the appropriate authority for action. We may

send information to members of Congress if you ask them

this form, including your SSN, are to verify your identity, to

to help you with federal student aid questions. In

determine your eligibility to receive a loan or a benefit on a

circumstances involving employment complaints,

loan (such as a deferment, forbearance, discharge, or

 

 

grievances, or disciplinary actions, we may disclose relevant

forgiveness) under the Direct Loan, FFEL, or Federal Perkins

records to adjudicate or investigate the issues. If provided

Loan Programs, to permit the servicing of your loans, and, if

for by a collective bargaining agreement, we may disclose

it becomes necessary, to locate you and to collect and

 

 

records to a labor organization recognized under 5 U.S.C.

report on your loans if your loans become delinquent or

 

 

Chapter 71. Disclosures may be made to our contractors for

default. We also use your SSN as an account identifier and to

the purpose of performing any programmatic function that

permit you to access your account information

 

 

requires disclosure of records. Before making any such

electronically.

 

 

disclosure, we will require the contractor to maintain Privacy

The information in your file may be disclosed, on a case-

Act safeguards. Disclosures may also be made to qualified

by-case basis or under a computer matching program, to

 

 

researchers under Privacy Act safeguards.

third parties as authorized under routine uses in the

 

 

Paperwork Reduction Notice. According to the

appropriate systems of records notices. The routine uses of

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required

this information include, but are not limited to, its disclosure

to respond to a collection of information unless such

to federal, state, or local agencies, to private parties such as

collection displays a valid OMB control number. The valid

relatives, present and former employers, business and

 

 

OMB control number for this information collection is

personal associates, to consumer reporting agencies, to

 

 

1845-0011. Public reporting burden for this collection of

financial and educational institutions, and to guaranty

 

 

information is estimated to average 10 minutes per

agencies in order to verify your identity, to determine your

response, including time for reviewing instructions,

eligibility to receive a loan or a benefit on a loan, to permit

searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining

the servicing or collection of your loans, to enforce the

 

 

the data needed, and completing and reviewing the

terms of the loans, to investigate possible fraud and to verify

collection of information. The obligation to respond to this

compliance with federal student financial aid program

 

 

collection is required to obtain a benefit in accordance with

regulations, or to locate you if you become delinquent in

 

 

34 CFR 674.34, 674.35, 674.36, 674.37, 682.210, or 685.204.

your loan payments or if you default. To provide default rate

If you have comments or concerns regarding the

calculations, disclosures may be made to guaranty agencies,

status of your individual submission of this form, please

to financial and educational institutions, or to state

 

 

contact your loan holder directly (see Section 7).

agencies. To provide financial aid history information,

 

 

 

disclosures may be made to educational institutions.

Page 4 of 4

File Specs

Fact Name Description
Form Purpose The Fedloan Servicing Deferment form is used to request a deferment on federal student loans while the borrower is enrolled at least half-time in an eligible educational institution.
Eligibility Criteria To qualify for deferment, borrowers must be enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school, as outlined in Section 2 of the form.
Authorized Certification An authorized official from the school must certify the borrower's enrollment status in Section 4, confirming eligibility for deferment.
Interest Payments Borrowers can choose to make interest payments during the deferment period, which is indicated on the form by checking a specific box.
Grace Period After the deferment ends, Perkins Loan borrowers receive a 6-month grace period before payments are due, providing additional time to prepare for repayment.
Capitalization of Interest Unpaid interest may capitalize during or after deferment, increasing the total loan balance. However, interest does not capitalize on Perkins Loans.
Submission Instructions Completed forms and any required documentation should be returned to the address specified in Section 7 of the form to ensure proper processing.
Privacy Notice The form includes a Privacy Act Notice, informing borrowers how their personal information will be used and protected under federal law.
OMB Control Number The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1845-0011, indicating compliance with federal regulations for data collection.

Fedloan Servicing Deferment - Usage Guidelines

Completing the Fedloan Servicing Deferment form is a crucial step in managing your student loans while you pursue your education. Ensure that you follow the steps carefully to avoid any delays in processing your request.

  1. Gather Required Information: Collect your Social Security Number (SSN), contact information, and details about your school enrollment status.
  2. Complete Section 1: Fill in your personal information, including your name, address, and phone numbers. If any of this information has changed, check the designated box.
  3. Review Eligibility: Read Section 2 carefully to confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria for deferment, which requires enrollment at least half-time at an eligible school.
  4. Fill Out Section 3: Indicate your requests regarding deferment and any interest payments. Check the boxes as applicable and read the certifications thoroughly before signing.
  5. Obtain Certification: In Section 4, have an authorized official from your school complete the required certification. This can also be done through separate documentation if preferred.
  6. Follow Instructions: In Section 5, ensure you type or print clearly using dark ink. Enter dates in the specified format (mm-dd-yyyy).
  7. Submit Required Documentation: If necessary, include any additional documentation that supports your deferment eligibility. Make sure to include your name and account number on these documents.
  8. Return the Form: Send the completed form and any additional documentation to the address specified in Section 7. If no address is shown, return it to your loan holder.

Once your form is submitted, the loan holder will review your request and documentation. It’s important to monitor your account for updates and ensure you remain informed about your deferment status. If you have any questions during this process, reach out to your loan holder for assistance.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the purpose of the Fedloan Servicing Deferment form?

The Fedloan Servicing Deferment form allows borrowers to request a temporary postponement of their loan payments while they meet specific eligibility criteria. This form is essential for borrowers who are enrolled at least half-time in an eligible educational institution, as it helps them manage their financial responsibilities during their studies.

Who is eligible for deferment?

To qualify for deferment, borrowers must be enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school. It is crucial to read the eligibility requirements outlined in Section 2 of the form before applying. If you are unsure whether your school qualifies, you can check with your institution or refer to the Department of Education's guidelines.

What information do I need to provide on the form?

When completing the form, you must provide personal details such as your Social Security Number, name, address, and contact information. Additionally, you need to indicate any changes to your information and provide details about your enrollment status. Accurate and complete information is vital for processing your request efficiently.

What happens if my deferment request is approved?

If your deferment request is approved, you will not be required to make payments on your loans during the deferment period. The deferment will begin on the date you become eligible and will end when you no longer meet the criteria. Be aware that interest may accrue on certain types of loans during this time.

Can I make interest payments during deferment?

Yes, if you choose to, you can make interest payments on your loans while they are in deferment. This option can help reduce the total amount you owe by preventing interest from capitalizing at the end of the deferment period.

What is the post-deferment grace period?

For Perkins Loan borrowers, a 6-month post-deferment grace period begins on the date you no longer qualify for the deferment. During this time, you are not required to make any payments. This grace period can provide additional financial relief as you transition back into repayment.

What should I do if my eligibility changes?

You must notify your loan holder immediately if your eligibility for the deferment ends. This ensures that your loan account remains accurate and helps avoid any potential issues with repayment or penalties.

Where do I send the completed deferment request?

Return the completed form and any required documentation to the address specified in Section 7 of the form. If no address is provided, you should send it directly to your loan holder. If you need assistance, contact your loan holder for further guidance.

Common mistakes

  1. Incomplete Borrower Information: Failing to fill out all required fields, such as Social Security Number, name, or contact information, can delay processing. Ensure every section is complete and accurate.

  2. Incorrect Eligibility Determination: Misunderstanding the eligibility criteria can lead to submitting the form when not qualified. It's crucial to carefully read Section 2 to confirm enrollment status.

  3. Missing Authorized Official Certification: Not obtaining the required signature or certification from an authorized official can result in rejection of the deferment request. This step is essential for validation.

  4. Failure to Attach Required Documentation: Omitting necessary documents, such as proof of enrollment, can hinder the approval process. Always check the requirements and include all supporting materials.

  5. Submitting to the Wrong Address: Sending the completed form to an incorrect address can cause significant delays. Refer to Section 7 for the correct submission address.

  6. Ignoring Notifications: Not paying attention to communications from the loan holder can lead to missed deadlines or additional requirements. Regularly check for updates regarding your deferment status.

Documents used along the form

The Fedloan Servicing Deferment form is an essential document for borrowers seeking to postpone their loan repayments while enrolled in school. To support the deferment request, various other forms and documents may be necessary. Below is a list of commonly used documents that often accompany the deferment form.

  • Enrollment Verification Form: This document confirms a borrower's enrollment status at an eligible institution, including the number of credit hours taken.
  • Income Documentation: This may include recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other proof of income to establish financial need for deferment.
  • Loan Holder’s Forbearance Request: A separate form that allows borrowers to request temporary relief from payments due to financial hardship.
  • Postponement of Payment Request: This form is used to request a temporary suspension of payments while a borrower's financial situation is assessed.
  • Certification of Half-Time Enrollment: A form completed by an authorized school official to certify that a student is enrolled at least half-time.
  • Loan Consolidation Application: If a borrower wishes to consolidate multiple loans, this application is necessary to initiate the process.
  • Direct Loan Application: Required for borrowers who wish to apply for new Direct Loans while in deferment.
  • Financial Aid Award Letter: This document outlines the financial aid a student is receiving, which may support their deferment eligibility.
  • Request for Cancellation of Loans: A form that can be submitted to cancel loans if the borrower qualifies under specific conditions.

Each of these documents plays a critical role in the deferment process. Ensuring that all necessary paperwork is completed and submitted can facilitate a smoother experience for borrowers seeking deferment on their student loans.

Similar forms

The Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Plan application shares similarities with the Fedloan Servicing Deferment form in that both documents address the financial circumstances of borrowers. An IDR plan allows borrowers to adjust their monthly loan payments based on their income and family size, potentially reducing their financial burden. Like the deferment form, the IDR application requires borrowers to provide personal information, including income details, and to certify their eligibility. Both processes involve a review of the borrower’s current situation to determine the most appropriate repayment or deferment options, emphasizing the need for accurate and honest reporting of financial status.

The Forbearance Request form also resembles the Fedloan Servicing Deferment form in its purpose of temporarily relieving borrowers from making loan payments. Forbearance allows borrowers to pause payments or reduce them for a limited time, similar to deferment. Both forms require borrowers to provide personal information and details regarding their eligibility for the requested relief. While deferment typically does not accrue interest on subsidized loans, forbearance often does, making it crucial for borrowers to understand the implications of each option. Both forms serve as critical tools for managing student loan repayment during challenging financial periods.

The Loan Consolidation application is another document that parallels the Fedloan Servicing Deferment form. Consolidation allows borrowers to combine multiple federal student loans into a single loan, potentially simplifying repayment. Like the deferment form, the consolidation application requires borrowers to provide personal information and details about their existing loans. Both processes aim to ease the burden on borrowers, although consolidation may lead to a longer repayment term and could affect interest rates. Understanding the nuances of both options is essential for borrowers seeking to manage their student debt effectively.

The Graduate School Enrollment Verification form is similar to the Fedloan Servicing Deferment form in that both documents require verification of a borrower’s enrollment status. This form is often used by students to confirm their enrollment in graduate programs, which can impact their eligibility for deferment. Both forms emphasize the importance of accurate information, as enrollment status directly affects loan repayment options. Borrowers must ensure that the information provided is current and verified by an authorized official, highlighting the shared focus on maintaining accurate records in the student loan process.

Finally, the Military Service Deferment Request form mirrors the Fedloan Servicing Deferment form by providing specific deferment options for borrowers who are active-duty service members. Both documents require detailed personal information and a certification of eligibility. The military deferment form acknowledges the unique circumstances faced by service members, allowing them to defer loan payments while serving. Both forms aim to provide relief to borrowers during times of significant personal or financial strain, reinforcing the importance of tailored solutions in the realm of student loans.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Fedloan Servicing Deferment form, there are important steps to follow to ensure your application is processed smoothly. Here’s a list of what you should and shouldn't do:

  • Do read the entire form carefully before starting.
  • Do provide accurate and complete borrower information.
  • Do check the box if any of your information has changed.
  • Do ensure you meet the eligibility criteria outlined in Section 2.
  • Do sign and date the form before submitting it.
  • Don't leave any sections blank unless instructed.
  • Don't forget to include your name and account number on any additional documentation.
  • Don't submit the form without reviewing it for errors.
  • Don't send your form to the wrong address; check Section 7 for the correct submission location.

Following these guidelines will help you navigate the process efficiently. Timeliness is crucial, so ensure your form is completed and submitted as soon as possible to avoid any delays in your deferment status.

Misconceptions

  • Deferment means no payments are needed at all. Many believe that once they apply for deferment, they are completely free from any financial obligations. While deferment allows you to postpone principal payments, interest may still accrue on certain loans, particularly unsubsidized ones.
  • All loans qualify for the same deferment terms. Not all loans are treated equally. For example, Perkins Loans have specific rules regarding interest capitalization that differ from Direct Loans or FFEL loans. Understanding the type of loan you have is crucial.
  • Once you submit the deferment form, it is automatically approved. Submitting the form does not guarantee approval. The deferment request must be certified by an authorized official from your school, and eligibility must be confirmed.
  • You can defer your loans indefinitely. Deferment is not a permanent solution. It lasts only as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. Once you no longer qualify, payments will resume.
  • Interest does not accumulate during deferment. This is a common misunderstanding. While interest does not accrue on subsidized loans during deferment, it does accumulate on unsubsidized loans, which can lead to a higher balance when payments resume.
  • Only full-time students can apply for deferment. Students enrolled at least half-time at an eligible institution can apply for deferment. This means part-time students may also qualify.
  • You don’t need to inform your loan holder when deferment ends. It is essential to notify your loan holder immediately when you no longer meet the eligibility requirements for deferment. Failing to do so could result in penalties or additional fees.

Key takeaways

  • Eligibility Requirements: To qualify for the deferment, you must be enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school. Make sure to verify your enrollment status before submitting the form.
  • Accurate Information: Fill out the borrower information section carefully. If any of your details have changed, check the appropriate box to ensure your loan servicer has the most current information.
  • Documentation: Be prepared to provide additional documentation to support your deferment eligibility. This may include enrollment verification from your school.
  • Submission Instructions: After completing the form, return it along with any required documents to the address specified. If you have loans with multiple holders, submit a separate request to each one.