Default		Failure to make scheduled monthly payments according to the agreed-upon terms. Default occurs at 270 days delinquent after many collection efforts have been made. If not corrected, a defaulted loan will adversely affect one's credit and may lead to wage garnishment.
Deferment		A period during which a borrower who meets certain criteria may suspend loan payments. For some loans the federal government pays the interest during a deferment. For others, the interest accrues and is capitalized, and the borrower is responsible for paying it. A list of deferments and eligibility criteria can be viewed in the Deferment Center.
Delinquency		Failure to make monthly loan payments when due. Delinquency begins with the first missed payment. If you are unable to make a payment at this time, please review the repayment options available on your loan.
Dependent Student		An undergraduate student whose parents provide more than half of the financial support. A dependent student is not married, is under 24 years of age, has no legal dependents, and is not an orphan or ward of the court, or a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. Parents of a dependent student must submit parental information on the FAFSA for their son or daughter to be considered for financial aid.
Disability		A medically determined condition that renders a borrower unable to work and earn money or return to school. Contact SSSC for possible loan dismissal due to permanent disability.
Disbursement		The release of loan funds to the school for delivery to the borrower. Disbursements are usually made in equal multiple installments, co-payable to the borrower and the school.
Disclosure Statement		This is a statement of the total cost of a loan including relevant data such as loan amount, interest rate, projected maturity, and any additional finance charges.
Due Diligence		If a borrower fails to make payments on a loan according to the terms of the promissory note, the federal government requires the lender, holder, or servicer of the loan to make frequent attempts to contact the borrower (via telephone and mail) to encourage repayment of the loan and to make arrangements to resolve the delinquency.
DOE		See US Department of Education.