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Payment relief options
You can temporarily lower your monthly loan payments or even postpone them  

If you’re struggling to pay your student loans, you should explore deferment and forbearance. We can help you find out if you qualify.

Deferment—see if you’re eligible

A deferment can put your student loan payments on hold if you return to school, become unemployed, serve in the military or volunteer with organizations like the Peace Corps. We explain the different kinds of deferments and help you determine if you’re eligible.

Learn more >

Forbearance—request one from your lender

When a lender grants you a forbearance, your payments are temporarily postponed. Interest does keep accruing, which can make your outstanding loan balance even larger. However, in financially challenging times, a forbearance may keep you from becoming delinquent or defaulting on your student loans.

Learn more >

I can't afford my payments, how can I lower them? Are there ways to get my loans forgiven or even canceled? I have missed several payments now what? I'm worried I won't be able to make my payment, what can I do? What if I don't pay?