Everything You Need to Know About Student Loan Deferment & Forbearance
Understanding Student Loan Deferment and Forbearance
Overview of Deferment and Forbearance
- If struggling with student loan debt, borrowers may temporarily pause payments on federal student loans through deferment or forbearance.
- Deferment: Pauses repayment of the loan principal; the government may cover interest during this period.
- Forbearance: Only pauses repayment of the principal; interest continues to accrue.
Eligibility Criteria for Deferment or Forbearance
- Borrowers facing unemployment, significant illness, or major economic hardship may qualify for deferment or forbearance.
- Additional qualifications include participation in national service, medical residency, active military duty, or enrollment in college/career school.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- The Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program forgives federal student loan debt after 120 consecutive on-time payments for those working full-time in qualified public service jobs.