When you log into your loan account and suddenly notice the status saying “forbearance”, it’s natural to wonder: why are my student loans in forbearance? For many borrowers, both forbearance and deferment can feel like confusing financial terms, but in reality, they’re tools that give you temporary relief by pausing your student loan payments.
At first glance, deferment and forbearance may look very similar. Both options allow you to put payments on hold when you’re struggling financially, going back to school, facing health challenges, or experiencing unexpected life events. However, the real differences lie in the details—who qualifies, whether interest continues to grow, how long the pause lasts, and what impact it has on your long-term repayment.
If you’re trying to figure out whether deferment or forbearance makes sense for your situation—or if you’ve asked yourself, “why are my student loans in forbearance without me even requesting it?”—this guide will break down what each option means, when it applies, and the pros and cons you should consider before making a decision.
Student Loan Deferment vs. Student Loan Forbearance
Here’s a quick comparison of the two programs to help you see the key differences:
| Category | Deferment | Forbearance |
| Eligibility | Half-time enrollment, unemployment, economic hardship, graduate fellowship, cancer treatment, rehab training, military service | Financial difficulties, medical expenses, changes in employment, AmeriCorps service, medical/dental residency, National Guard duty, Teacher Loan Forgiveness eligibility, DOD repayment, high debt burden |
| Length | Up to 3 years or longer (depending on the situation) | Usually 12 months at a time, cumulative up to 3 years in some cases |
| Interest Accrual | Sometimes—subsidized loans may not accrue interest | Always—interest keeps building |
| Application | Apply with your loan servicer; some are automatic | Apply with your loan servicer; some are automatic |
| Credit Impact | None | None |
What Is Student Loan Deferment?
Deferment is a program that lets you temporarily stop making student loan payments under specific circumstances. Many borrowers qualify for deferment automatically (like when you’re in school), while others need to apply with documentation to prove their eligibility.
You might qualify for deferment if:
- You’re in school at least half-time. Federal student loans usually go into automatic in-school deferment, so you don’t have to pay while you’re enrolled. Parents with PLUS loans, however, must request deferment separately.
- You’re serving on active military duty. Your deferment continues until you resume school or for up to 13 months after your service ends.
- You’re unemployed. If you’re actively looking for work and receiving unemployment benefits, you may qualify for up to three years of deferment.
- You’re in an approved rehabilitation program. This applies to programs for alcohol abuse, drug abuse, vocational training, or mental health treatment.
- You’re undergoing cancer treatment. Deferment can last through your treatment and extend for six months after.
- You’re enrolled in a graduate fellowship program. Many research or fellowship programs qualify.
- You’re experiencing severe financial hardship. If you’re living below the poverty line, receiving certain government benefits, or serving in the Peace Corps, you may qualify for deferment lasting up to three years.
- You’re a parent borrower. If you took out PLUS loans for your child, you can request deferment while your child is in school at least half-time.
Keep in mind: Private lenders may or may not offer deferment. If they do, the options are often much more limited than federal programs.
