If you are having difficulty repaying your student loan and are not eligible for a deferment, you may be eligible for forbearance. This allows you to temporarily reduce or suspend your monthly payments.

While you are in a forbearance period, interest will continue to accrue on your loans. The unpaid interest may be capitalized (added to the principal balance) at the end of the forbearance. You are encouraged to make the accrued interest payment.

The types of forbearances available are:

Forbearance—Service
Forbearance—Economic
PLUS and AmeriCorps Forbearance
Child Care Provider Loan Forgiveness Forbearance
Teacher Loan Forgiveness Forbearance (Federal loans only)

If you are on the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) plan, please click here first.

Updated: 6/01/2010