If a deferment is not an option for you, and you are still having trouble making your payments, you may want to consider another alternative - a forbearance. This option is available to federal student loan borrowers needing to postpone their payments. With a forbearance, you may also be able to extend the amount of time allowed to make payments, or your lender may allow you to make smaller payments on a limited-time basis. Borrowers need to apply for and request a student loan forbearance through their servicer or lender, who will determine whether or not to grant a forbearance. Remember that a forbearance is different from a deferment, because during a period of forbearance, you will be responsible for any interest that accrues, regardless of the type of loan in question.

Forbearance is often requested for health or personal problems, including disability, which affect your ability to make on-time payments.

As each borrower may have a unique situation, you should also know that there are additional types of forbearance that a lender can or sometimes must make available to you. Some of these may apply if:

• You are completing a medical/dental internship or residency
• You are enrolled in a Department of Defense loan repayment program
• You are involved in a teacher loan forgiveness program
• Your debt exceeds your monthly income or you are filing for bankruptcy
• You are serving in national service, such as Americorps, or you are part of a military mobilization
• Are a victim of a natural disaster or are affected by a local or national emergency

To download and print the forbearance request form, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader® on your computer.