Deferment

Common Features: Deferment vs. Forbearances

Student loan borrowers often confuse the terms "deferment" and "forbearance." Below you will find some common features for FFELP loans.

Deferment Forbearance
  • Must complete deferment form and meet eligibility requirements
  • Interest paid on Subsidized loans
  • Interest accrues on Unsubsidized loans
  • Unpaid interest is capitalized
  • Six-month to one-year increments
  • Can complete forbearance form or call customer service to request verbal forbearance (verbal forbearance not available on spousal consolidation)
  • Interest accrues on Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans
  • Unpaid interest is capitalized
  • Can be given up to one-year increments