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Deferment & Forbearance

A deferment is when the lender/servicer grants a temporary suspension of monthly payments.

Qualifications for Deferment:

  • Unemployed or working less than 30 hours a week
  • Enrolled in school full-time or half-time
  • Temporarily disabled
  • In graduate school
  • In an internship/residency program
  • Having an economic hardship (a deferment for borrowers who earn less than minimum wage or exceed a federally defined debt-to-income ratio. A borrower may also be eligible if he or she is receiving state of federal aid or is a Peace Corps volunteer)
  • In the military or providing a public service
  • Teaching in a teacher-shortage area
  • In a rehabilitation training program
  • Pregnant or caring for a newborn
  • Monthly student loan payments equal to or exceeding 20% of your gross monthly income

Deferment forms

Forbearance is a temporary suspension of monthly payments that is granted under certain circumstances by your lender/servicer. You'll still be responsible for paying the interest that's accrued, so it's always smarter to try and get a deferment first.

Qualifications for Forbearance:

  • Qualified under the Student Loan Repayment Program administered by the U.S. Department of Defense
  • A mobilized member of the National Guard or Reserves experiencing temporary and unexpected financial hardship
  • Currently serves in a National and Community Service position (AmeriCorps)
  • Internship or Residency
  • Temporary Hardship

Forbearance form


 

If you've already defaulted...

Contact the AES Default Collections department at 1-800-328-0355.

Default Prevention Loan Counselors are available:

  • Monday through Thursday - 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM (ET)
  • Friday - 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (ET)
  • Saturday - 8:00 AM to Noon (ET)

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