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Deferment, Forbearance and Cancellation

Deferment

Forbearance

Cancellation

Filing Responsibilities

Deferment Forms

  

Depending upon which loan program(s) you have borrowed from, you may be eligible for certain deferment, forbearance or cancellation benefits. If you are eligible, you must submit a deferment, forbearance or cancellation request form at least once a year, unless instructed otherwise.

Deferment

A deferment is a period of time during which you are not required to make loan installment payments while you are engaged in some eligible activity (such as full-time enrollment in school). Most deferments cover both principal and interest, meaning payments are not required and interest does not accrue during the deferred period. However, there are some programs that defer principal only, and interest continues to accrue and must be paid. Remember that you must keep making your monthly payments until you receive notice that your deferment or forbearance has been granted.

Federal Perkins Loan Program

Common reasons to defer loans made after July 1, 1993* are:

Reason Requirement Required Forms
Student Deferment You are enrolled at least half-time at an accredited institution of higher learning in the United States, or a comparable institution in another country. Form 1
Unemployment You have lost your job, or are unable to find one. Not to exceed three years. Form 2,3
Economic Hardship You are suffering an economic hardship. Not to exceed three years. Form 2,3
Fellowship You are pursuing a course of study in an approved graduate fellowship program or approved rehabilitation training program for disabled individuals, excluding a medical internship or residency program. Form 1
* Check your promissory note for additional deferments on loans made before July 1, 1993

Direct Stafford Loan Program

See Direct Loan Servicing Online

Health Profession Loans (Federal & Institutional)

Use form 5 below to defer your school of medicine loan or HPSL loan while pursuing Advanced Professional Training (residency/internship).

Forbearance

Federal Perkins Loan Program

A forbearance is a temporary postponement of principal payments, not to exceed 3 years, granted by the University of Washington under some conditions if you are willing but financially unable to make the required loan payments. Interest continues to accrue during the forbearance period, and must be paid at least annually. Remember that you must keep making your monthly payments until you receive notice that your deferment or forbearance has been granted.

Common reasons for forbearance:

Reason Requirement Required Forms
Loan Obligation Your total monthly payments on Federal Student Loans are equal to, or greater than, 20% of your monthly gross income. Form 2,3
Health Problems You are temporarily totally disabled and cannot attend school or secure employment, or you cannot be gainfully employed because you are providing care for a spouse or dependent who is temporarily totally disabled. Form 2,3,4
Americorps Service You perform volunteer service for a tax-exempt organization that the Department of Education has determined is comparable to Peace Corps or ACTION. Form 3

Cancellation

A cancellation benefit may allow all or a portion of your loan to be forgiven (cancelled) if you engage in certain eligible service occupations. Cancellation credit is given after you complete a year of eligible service. Apply for a deferment at the beginning of your service year, then apply for the cancellation credit at the completion of your service year. Remember that you must keep making your monthly payments until you receive notice that your deferment or forbearance has been granted.

Federal Perkins Loan Program

Common reasons for cancellation:

Teaching You work in a low income school, designated by the US Department of Education, teaching special education. You teach math, science, languages or any field of expertise where there is a shortage of teachers (determined by the state). You work as a qualified professional provider of early intervention services.
Law Enforcement You work as a law enforcement or corrections officer.
Health Care You work as a nurse or medical technician providing health care services.
Child or Family Service You work for a child or family service agency providing sevices to high-risk children from low-income communities.
Head Start Program You work in the educational part of a program within the Head Start Act.
Peace Corps You are serving as a Peace Corps volunteer.
Military Service You are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces in an area of hostilities or imminent danger.

Direct Stafford Loan Program

See Direct Loan Servicing Online

Filing Responsibilities

The deferment process is not automatic. If you are eligible for any of these benefits, you must complete a request form and submit it to the UW Student Fiscal Services Office. You can request a deferment or cancellation form from our office, or you can download a form from the links at the bottom of this page. It is important that you submit your request on time - at the time your regular installment is due. Late fees are charged for forms submitted late, just as they are for late payments.

Follow the instructions on the form - be sure to include the type of benefit you are requesting, the period of eligibility, and the appropriate certification signature. You must also sign and date your request form. You will be notified of the results - whether your request was approved or denied - in writing after it has been processed.

Deferment Forms

  1. General Deferment
  2. Financial Statement
  3. Hardship Deferment/Forbearance Request Form
  4. Affadavit of Disability
  5. Health Profession Loans Deferment

For more information about Deferment, Forbearance and Cancellation, contact the Student Fiscal Services Office.

 

Finances Student Loans