Stafford and Direct Loan Deferments

Deferments are available to students who borrowed from Federal Stafford and Federal Direct loan programs.

For borrowers who first received a loan on or after July 1, 1993:

Deferments are available when you are:

· Enrolled in school at least half-time

· Enrolled in a graduate fellowship

· Participating in rehabilitation training

· Unemployed (limit of 3 years deferment)

· Experiencing economic hardship (limit of 3 years deferment)

If you have an outstanding Federal Stafford Loan (GSL) balance from funds received between 7/1/1987 and 6/30/1993:

These additional deferments are available when you are:

· Enrolled in school full-time

· Enrolled in school at least half-time and currently borrowing from the Stafford Loan program

· Serving in military or public health services (limit of 3 years deferment)

· Serving in National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps (limit of 3 years deferment)

· Serving in Peace Corps, Domestic Corps, or as volunteer in tax-exempt organization (limit of 3 years deferment)

· Teaching in an area defined as experiencing teacher shortages (limit of 3 years deferment)

· Participating in medical internship or residency training (limit of 2 years deferment)

· Experiencing temporary total disability by the borrower, spouse, or dependent (limit of 3 years deferment)

· Unemployed (limit of 2 years deferment)

· Taking parental leave (limit of 6 months deferment)

· A mother entering or reentering work force (limit of 1 year deferment)

To request a deferment, contact your lender.