Repaying Your Loans

Understanding how to repay your federal student loans can save you a lot of time and money. For more information on finding the right repayment plan for you, what to do if you can’t afford your payments, student loan forgiveness, cancellation, and discharge, visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans.

“How to Manage Your Student Loans” Video

Check out this video to learn more about changing repayment plans, postponing or reducing your payments, or combining your federal student loans. (Captioning available in English and Spanish; just start the video and click on the CC symbol at the bottom.)

A deferment or forbearance allows you to temporarily postpone making your federal student loan payments or to temporarily reduce the amount you pay.

How do I request a deferment?

Most deferments are not automatic, and you will likely need to submit a request to your loan servicer, the organization that handles your loan account. If you are enrolled in school at least half-time and you would like to request an in-school deferment, you’ll need to contact your school’s financial aid office as well as your loan servicer.

Your deferment request should be submitted to the organization to which you make your loan payments.

• Direct Loans and FFEL Program loans: contact your loan servicer
• Perkins Loans: contact the school you were attending when you received the loan

How do I request a forbearance?

Receiving loan forbearance is not automatic. You must apply by making a request to your loan servicer. In some cases, you must provide documentation to support your request.

For more information on deferment and forbearance visit: studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/deferment-forbearance#loan-during-deferment

Deferment and Mandatory Forbearance Request Forms for the Direct Loan, FFEL, and Perkins Loan Programs

In-School Deferment Request (SCH) – Direct Loan, FFEL, and Perkins in PDF Format, 667KB, 4 Pages

Graduate Fellowship Deferment Request (GFL) – Direct Loan, FFEL, and Perkins in PDF Format, 674KB, 4 Pages

Rehabilitation Training Program Deferment Request (RHT) – Direct Loan, FFEL, and Perkins in PDF Format, 667KB, 4 Pages

Unemployment Deferment Request (UNEM) – Direct Loan, FFEL, and Perkins in PDF Format, 675KB, 4 Pages

Economic Hardship Deferment Request (HRD) – Direct Loan, FFEL, and Perkins in PDF Format, 675KB, 4 Pages

Parent PLUS Borrower Deferment Request (PLUS) – Direct Loan and FFEL in PDF Format, 665KB, 4 Pages

Temporary Total Disability Deferment Request (TDIS) – Direct Loan and FFEL in PDF Format, 682KB, 4 Pages

Mandatory Forbearance Request: Student Loan Debt Burden (SLDB) – Direct Loan, FFEL, and Perkins in PDF Format, 663KB, 4 Pages

Mandatory Forbearance Request: Medical or Dental Internship/Residency, National Guard Duty, or Department of Defense Student Loan Repayment Program (SERV) – Direct Loan and FFEL in PDF Format, 694KB, 5 Pages