If you’re struggling financially, pausing student loan payments can provide short-term relief and prevent missed payments or default. The key is understanding that “pausing payments” isn’t one single program—it’s a group of options with different rules, costs, and consequences.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the main ways to pause student loans and how each one works.
1. Deferment (Best Option if You Qualify)
Deferment temporarily pauses your student loan payments, and in some cases, interest may not accrue (depending on loan type).
You may qualify if you are:
- Enrolled in school at least half-time
- Unemployed or unable to find full-time work
- Experiencing economic hardship
- On active military duty (in some cases)
Key benefit:
- Some federal loans do not accrue interest during deferment (especially subsidized loans)
How to apply:
- Contact your loan servicer or apply through the federal student aid system managed by the U.S. Department of Education
2. Forbearance (Easier to Get, But Costs More)
Forbearance is another way to pause payments, but interest usually continues to build.
Types of forbearance:
- General forbearance: Financial hardship, medical expenses, job loss
- Mandatory forbearance: Required if you meet certain conditions (like high debt-to-income ratio for some repayment plans)
Pros:
- Easier to qualify for than deferment
- Can be granted quickly (sometimes same day)
Cons:
- Interest keeps growing on most loans
- Your total balance may increase
3. Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Plans
Instead of fully pausing payments, you may qualify for very low monthly payments based on income.
These plans adjust your bill to what you can afford.
Benefits:
- Payments can be as low as $0/month for low income borrowers
- Remaining balance may be forgiven after long-term repayment (typically 20–25 years, depending on the plan)
Why it helps:
Even if payments aren’t fully paused, they can become temporarily manageable.
4. Loan Rehabilitation or Temporary Relief (If You’re Behind)
If your loans are already delinquent or in default, there are options to recover:
- Loan rehabilitation: Make a series of agreed payments to restore your loan status
- Consolidation: Combine loans to exit default and regain repayment options
These programs can stop collection actions and wage garnishment risks.
5. COVID-Era or Emergency Administrative Pauses (When Available)
Occasionally, the government may implement temporary payment pauses during major economic disruptions. These are not permanent programs but can appear during national emergencies.
Borrowers should always check official updates from the U.S. Department of Education for active relief programs.
6. Private Student Loan Options (Different Rules Apply)
Private loans are more limited, but some lenders still offer hardship assistance.
Possible options include:
- Temporary reduced payments
- Short-term forbearance
- Interest-only payments
You must contact your lender directly—terms vary widely.
7. How to Request a Payment Pause (Simple Script)
When calling your loan servicer, keep it direct:
“I’m experiencing financial hardship and would like to know what options I have to temporarily pause or reduce my student loan payments.”
Then ask:
- “Do I qualify for deferment or forbearance?”
- “Are there income-driven repayment options available?”
- “What will happen to interest during this period?”
8. Important Things to Watch Out For
Before choosing a pause option, understand the trade-offs:
- Interest may continue growing (especially in forbearance)
- Your total loan balance may increase
- Pauses are temporary, not forgiveness
- You may need to reapply or renew approval
Pausing student loan payments is possible, but the right option depends on your situation.
Deferment offers the most protection if you qualify, forbearance is the easiest to access, and income-driven repayment can provide long-term stability when full pauses aren’t ideal.
The most important step is acting early—contacting your servicer before you miss payments gives you more options and prevents damage to your credit and financial standing.