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The Fedloan Servicing Deferment form plays a critical role for borrowers seeking to temporarily postpone their student loan payments due to certain qualifying circumstances, such as enrollment in school. This form applies specifically to loans under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program, and Federal Perkins Loan Program. When filling out the form, borrowers must provide their personal information, including their Social Security Number and contact details. It is essential to determine eligibility based on enrollment status, which must be at least half-time at an approved institution. Furthermore, the form outlines borrowers' requests and affirmations regarding repayment responsibilities during the deferment period and elaborates on how and when the deferment begins and ends. Borrowers will also find critical certifications that ensure the accuracy of the information provided. Section 4 requires certification from an authorized official of the educational institution, confirming enrollment status. In addition to submitting this form, borrowers must be aware of important instructions regarding submission procedures and documentation requirements. Lastly, important notices inform borrowers of their rights and obligations, including privacy considerations related to their personal information. Comprehensive understanding of the Fedloan Servicing Deferment form is crucial for eligible borrowers to effectively manage their student loan obligations and navigate potential repayment issues.

Form Sample

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

Document Specifications

Fact Name Details
Eligible Enrollment To qualify for the deferment, the borrower must be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible educational institution.
Penalties for Misrepresentation Providing false information on the form may lead to serious penalties, including potential fines and imprisonment as described in the U.S. Criminal Code.
Authorized Official Certification The form requires certification from an official of the school to confirm the borrower's enrollment status and dates.
Loan Types Covered This deferment request applies to several loan types, including Federal Direct Loans, Federal Family Education Loans, and Federal Perkins Loans.
Grace Period for Perkins Loans Borrowers of Perkins Loans receive a 6-month post-deferment grace period before they must start repayments once they no longer qualify for the deferment.

Steps to Filling Out Fedloan Servicing Deferment

Completing the Fedloan Servicing Deferment form requires careful attention to detail. Ensure that you gather all necessary information beforehand. Follow the outlined steps below to correctly fill out the form and submit it to the appropriate entity. After submission, expect confirmation and further instructions regarding the status of your deferment request.

  1. Personal Information: Start by entering your Social Security Number (SSN), name, address, city, state, zip code, primary and alternate telephone numbers, and your email address in the designated fields.
  2. Eligibility Check: Review Section 2 to confirm your enrollment status at an eligible school. You must be enrolled at least half-time to qualify for deferment.
  3. Deferment Request: In Section 3, specify your request for deferment and mark if you wish to make interest payments during this period.
  4. Understanding of Terms: Read and acknowledge the statements regarding your deferment, including the implications of interest capitalization during the deferment period.
  5. Signature: Sign and date the form at the bottom of Section 3, confirming that the information provided is true and you understand the requirements.
  6. Certification by Authorized Official: Section 4 must be completed by an authorized official from your school, certifying your enrollment status. Ensure they provide their name, contact information, and signature.
  7. Submission Instructions: Review Section 5 for submission instructions, including how to return the completed form and any necessary documentation to the address specified in Section 7.
  8. Maintain Copies: Keep copies of the completed form and any attachments for your records.

More About Fedloan Servicing Deferment

What is the purpose of the Fedloan Servicing Deferment form?

The Fedloan Servicing Deferment form allows borrowers to request a temporary pause on their student loan repayments. Borrowers can defer repayment for various reasons, including being enrolled at least half-time in an eligible educational program. This deferment can help alleviate financial pressure while students focus on their studies.

Who is eligible to apply for deferment?

To be eligible for deferment, students must be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible school. It is important to check whether your institution is approved for federal student aid programs. Additionally, specific types of loans, such as Direct Loans, FFEL Loans, and Perkins Loans, may have particular deferment options.

What information is required on the deferment form?

The form asks for essential borrower information, including your Social Security Number, name, address, and contact details. You must also provide information about your enrollment status. If your situation changes, you need to check the box indicating that some of your information has altered. Accurate completion of the form is crucial for determining your eligibility.

What happens during the deferment period?

During the deferment period, borrowers generally do not have to make payments on their loans. For subsidized loans, interest does not accumulate, while interest may accrue on unsubsidized loans. After the deferment ends, any unpaid interest may be added to your principal balance, which could result in higher monthly payments once you start repaying your loan again.

How do I submit the completed deferment request?

Once you've filled out the deferment form, you need to return it along with any required documentation to the address indicated in the form. It is essential to make sure that you submit your application to the correct loan holder, especially if you have loans with multiple lenders.

What if I need assistance while completing the form?

If you encounter difficulties while filling out the deferment form, you can contact your loan holder directly for help. They can provide guidance regarding the information needed and the submission process to ensure your request is handled correctly.

Common mistakes

  1. Incorrect Borrower Information: Failing to enter accurate personal information can lead to delays. This includes your Social Security Number, name, and contact details. Any errors in these fields may result in the return of your application or miscommunication about your loans.

  2. Failure to Check Eligibility: Many applicants neglect to confirm eligibility criteria outlined in the form. Ensure that you are enrolled at least half-time at an eligible institution. Missing this step may lead to an unnecessary deferment request.

  3. Incomplete Authorization Section: Not filling out or omitting signatures and dates in the authorization section can render your deferment request invalid. Always include your signature and the correct date to ensure it is processed smoothly.

  4. Ignoring Documentation Requirements: Some applicants fail to provide required documentation to support their eligibility. Additional documents may be necessary, and they should be submitted promptly. Missing paperwork can delay the review of your deferment request.

Documents used along the form

When applying for a deferment through the FedLoan Servicing Deferment form, several other documents might also be needed to complete the application process. Here’s a list of key forms and documents you may encounter along with a brief description of each.

  • Loan Repayment Plans - These documents outline the different options available for repaying your loans, including standard, graduated, and income-driven plans.
  • Income Documentation - Proof of income, such as pay stubs or tax returns, may be required to assess eligibility for certain deferments or income-driven repayment plans.
  • Enrollment Verification - This document confirms your current enrollment at an eligible school and must often be signed by an authorized official from the institution.
  • Forbearance Request Form - If you are not eligible for a deferment, this form allows you to request a temporary postponement of loan payments for reasons like financial difficulties.
  • Loan Consolidation Application - If you wish to consolidate your federal loans into one, this application outlines the process and the terms of the new consolidated loan.
  • Grace Period Notification - This notice informs borrowers of their rights and responsibilities during the grace period following graduation or leaving school.
  • Default Prevention Plan - This document outlines steps a borrower can take to avoid defaulting on their loans, often involving setting up payment plans.
  • Tax Documents (IRS Form 4506-T) - This form may be needed to request your tax return transcripts directly from the IRS for income verification.
  • Loan Holder Communication Records - Keeping copies of any correspondence with your loan servicer helps to track what information has been discussed or submitted.

Understanding these documents can help ensure a smooth deferment process. Always check with your loan servicer for any specific requirements related to your loans.

Similar forms

The In-School Deferment Request form shares similarities with the Income-Driven Repayment Plan Request form, primarily in how it allows borrowers to request a pause in their loan payments while they meet specific criteria. Both forms require some verification of the borrower's status—whether it be enrollment in school or income level—and necessitate that the borrower provides personal details such as name, Social Security number, and contact information. This ensures that the loan servicer can accurately assess the borrower's eligibility for the requested benefit.

Another comparable document is the Federal Perkins Loan Deferment Request form. Like the In-School Deferment Request form, this document also establishes eligibility criteria based on enrollment status. Both documents inform borrowers about the terms of the deferment, including how interest accrues or is managed during the deferment period. The Perkins Loan deferment additionally specifies the unique grace periods that apply once the borrower is no longer eligible, highlighting a shared concern about ensuring that borrowers fully understand their obligations before and after the deferment.

The Graduation Deferment Request form parallels the In-School Deferment Request form through its focus on the transition period after graduation. Borrowers can request a deferment of their loans for a specified time before they are required to begin making payments. In both cases, borrowers must provide school-related documentation to qualify for the deferment, and they must clearly understand when their repayment obligations will commence post-deferment.

The Military Service Deferment Request form offers another example of a document similar to the In-School Deferment Request form. This form allows service members to defer their loan payments while they are actively serving in the military. Both forms require proof of status—whether as a student or as a service member—and clarify the interest implications during the deferment period. The urgency of ensuring military personnel do not face the burden of loan repayment while serving is similar to the urgency faced by students in preserving their educational focus.

The Economic Hardship Deferment Request form likewise shares similarities, especially in terms of the documentation needed to prove eligibility. While the In-School Deferment focuses on educational status, the Economic Hardship Deferment is concerned with a borrower's financial situation. Both forms require borrowers to complete certifications regarding their status, ensuring that they understand the conditions under which payments can be deferred.

Another relevant document is the Forbearance Request form. This form allows borrowers to temporarily pause their loan payments due to various challenges. Similar to the In-School Deferment Request, the Forbearance form demands that borrowers articulate their circumstances clearly and provides guidance on how interest will be handled during this pause in payments. While they serve different purposes, both aim to provide borrowers with some financial relief during difficult times.

Furthermore, the Student Loan Rehabilitation Request form is akin to the In-School Deferment Request. Both documents require the borrowers to take proactive steps to manage their loans, but they target different issues; the Rehabilitation Request is focused on improving a borrower's credit status while the In-School Deferment is about avoiding payments during educational enrollment. Both require acknowledgments concerning the borrower's responsibilities and future obligations.

Similarities can also be observed in the National Defense Student Loan Deferment form. Both forms are designed to assist specific groups—a stipulation regarding qualifying circumstances is inherent in both. The form highlights eligibility requirements based on active duty status and, like the In-School Deferment Request, addresses how borrowers can manage their interest obligations during deferment periods.

The Parent PLUS Loan Deferment Request form mirrors the In-School Deferment Request by allowing borrowers to defer payments based on their child's educational enrollment status. Both forms require specific information about the child's status, ensuring that parent borrowers have a clear understanding of their obligations and rights, similar to those of student borrowers. The overlap occurs in the emphasis on educational enrollment as a qualifying measure.

Finally, the Direct Consolidation Loan Request form can be seen as closely linked to the In-School Deferment Request form. This consolidation request can allow borrowers to combine their loans and defer payments based on their enrollment. Both documents necessitate borrower information and clarification of the conditions under which deferment can be applied, emphasizing the ongoing dialogue between borrower status and payment obligations.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Fedloan Servicing Deferment form, here are some important dos and don'ts to keep in mind:

  • Do review the entire form before starting to fill it out.
  • Do ensure you are enrolled at least half-time in an eligible school.
  • Do use dark ink for typing or printing your information.
  • Do provide your Social Security Number (SSN) for identification.
  • Do include your name and account number on any submitted documents.
  • Don’t leave any sections blank; fill out everything accurately.
  • Don’t forget to check for any updates or changes in your information.
  • Don’t submit the form to multiple loan holders without separate requests.
  • Don’t rely solely on your school's notification; certify your status if needed.
  • Don’t ignore the warning about providing false statements; it could lead to serious penalties.

Misconceptions

  • Misconception 1: The deferment automatically applies once I enroll in school.
  • Many believe that simply being enrolled in school at least half-time guarantees automatic deferment. However, the borrower must actively apply for deferment using the appropriate form and meet all eligibility requirements.

  • Misconception 2: Interest does not accrue during deferment.
  • It's a common misunderstanding that no interest accrues during deferment. While interest does not accrue on subsidized loans, it does continue to accumulate on unsubsidized loans, leading to potential capitalization once the deferment period ends.

  • Misconception 3: I can wait until the deferment ends to submit the form.
  • Some borrowers think they can submit the deferment form after they become ineligible due to no longer being enrolled. It's crucial to submit the form as soon as eligibility is established to avoid any negative impacts on loan repayment.

  • Misconception 4: All schools qualify me for deferment.
  • Not all educational institutions qualify for participation in deferment programs. It's important to confirm that the school you are attending is recognized as eligible by the Department of Education.

  • Misconception 5: I do not need to pay attention to loan types.
  • Borrowers often overlook the importance of the loan type when applying for deferment. Different loans, such as Perkins or PLUS loans, have unique provisions regarding deferment and repayment that can affect overall responsibility.

  • Misconception 6: I can submit one form for multiple loan holders.
  • Borrowers mistakenly think a single deferment request will cover all loans regardless of who holds them. Each loan holder requires a separate deferment application, so it's vital to check with each holder for their specific requirements.

Key takeaways

Properly completing the Fedloan Servicing Deferment form is essential for managing student loans while in school. Here are nine key takeaways to consider:

  1. Eligibility Requirement: Ensure you are enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school to qualify for deferment.
  2. Accurate Information: Fill in all required information correctly. If any details have changed, check the designated box on the form.
  3. Interest Payments: Decide whether you want to make interest payments during your deferment period, as indicated on the form.
  4. Post-Deferment Grace Period: For Perkins Loan borrowers, know that a 6-month grace period follows the end of your deferment.
  5. Documentation is Key: You may need to provide additional documentation to support your eligibility for deferment. Be prepared to submit this along with the form.
  6. School Certification: The authorized official at your school must certify your enrollment status by completing the appropriate section or submitting separate documentation.
  7. Separate Requests for Different Loan Holders: If you have loans with more than one holder, submit a separate deferment request for each one.
  8. Return Address: Always send the completed deferment form and any supporting documents to the address specified in Section 7.
  9. Awareness of Capitalization: Understand how unpaid interest may capitalize, increasing your overall loan balance if you opt for deferment.