Forbearance

Forbearance is a short period of time when you are allowed to make lower monthly payments (sometimes interest-only payments) or stop making payments.

Interest

Interest continues to accrue on all loan types during any period of forbearance. If you do not pay the interest, it will be added to your principal balance when your forbearance ends, increasing your total debt.

Your loan holder may grant you a forbearance if you are willing, but temporarily unable, to make full or partial payments on your loan and do not qualify for a deferment. Under certain conditions, your loan holder may be required to grant you a mandatory forbearance.

Requesting Forbearance

• Contact your loan holder, in writing, to request forbearance.
• Keep a copy of your forbearance request form, and follow up with your loan holder until your forbearance is granted or denied.
• Do not stop making payments until you receive written notice that your forbearance is in effect.
• Make note of your forbearance scheduled end date and know the date when you must resume your normal repayment schedule.