09/01/2026
Don't let financial bumps in the road derail your student loan repayment! 🛑 Did you know there are **10+ ways** to temporarily pause or reduce your payments?
It's time to get savvy about **Deferment** and **Forbearance**—the two main types of relief for federal student loans.
# # # 💡 The Big Difference: Interest!
The key thing to know is when the interest keeps piling up:
* **✅ Deferment:** Interest *does not* accrue (build up) on **Subsidized** federal loans during this pause. It's the most financially favorable option if you qualify!
* **⚠️ Forbearance:** **Interest always accrues** on *all* loan types (Subsidized and Unsubsidized) during this pause. It's often easier to get, but it will increase your total loan cost over time.
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# # # 📋 Types of Payment Relief
There are many specific situations that qualify you to hit the pause button.
**Common Deferments (Interest-Free on Subsidized Loans):**
* 🧑🎓 **In-School Deferment:** You're enrolled at least half-time.
* 📉 **Economic Hardship Deferment:** You're experiencing financial difficulty and meet specific income criteria.
* unemployed **Unemployment Deferment:** You're actively seeking but unable to find full-time work.
* 🫡 **Military Service Deferment:** You're on active duty.
* 🎗️ **Cancer Treatment Deferment:** You're undergoing cancer treatment.
**Common Forbearances (Interest Always Accrues):**
* 🩺 **Mandatory Forbearance:** Required for specific situations like medical residency, National Guard duty, or if your loan payments are $\ge 20\%$ of your gross income.
* **General/Discretionary Forbearance:** Granted by your loan servicer for temporary financial difficulties, medical expenses, or change in employment (if you don't qualify for deferment).
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**🤔 Which is right for you?** If you qualify for **Deferment**, take it! If you don't, **Forbearance** is a good short-term safety net, but remember to pay the interest if you can to keep your total debt from ballooning!
**👉 Action Step:** Contact your **loan servicer** today or visit StudentAid.gov to see which option you qualify for and which form you need to submit! Don't wait until you're already behind on payments!
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