Applying for Student Loan Deferment

Applying for student loan deferment can be easy.  There are important eligibility requirements set by the Federal Student Aid Agency. Below is a list of important information you need to know before filing for a deferment.


Eligibility Requirements

Most common federal student loan deferments:

  • Student is enrolled in a qualified post secondary school on at least a half-time basis during the deferment period
  • Student is studying in a FSA-approved graduate fellowship program
  • Student is unable to secure employment, three years maximum
  • Student can document an economic hardship
  • Student is actively serving the military

Available College Loan Deferment

The FSA has twenty types of student loan deferment form. Each form has a specific requirement.  The following deferment forms are made available on the FSA website:

  • Action Program
  • Economic Hardship
  • Armed Forces
  • In-School (at least half-time)
  • Internship/Residency
  • Military
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
  • Parental Leave
  • Peace Corps
  • PLUS - In-School (disbursed on or after 07/01/2008)
  • PLUS - In-School (FFEL disbursed before 07/01/1993)
  • PLUS - Rehabilitation
  • Public Health Service
  • Rehabilitation Training Program
  • Tax Exempt Organization
  • Teacher Shortage Area
  • Temporary Total Disability
  • Unemployment
  • Working Mother

Application Methods for  Deferment

Students can apply for deferments in three ways:

  • Online process - The application can be completed by downloading their appropriate FSA website and submitted to the Servicing Center.
  • Email - Forms can be requested via email by using the student's FSA online account and PIN.
  • Phone - Applications can be requested by using the Servicing Center's voice response unit at 1-800-848-0979.

Notice of Action

After application has been completed and submitted, there is wait period of 5 to 7 business days. The FSA will send an acknowledgment notice by mail if the request is approved and will reflect on the student's FSA account. Denied applicants will also receive action notices with an explanation as to  why the request was denied.


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