By granting forbearance, a lender permits one of the following:

• A temporary suspension of payments; or
• An extension of time for making payments;

The lender may grant forbearance to borrowers or endorsers only if the lender reasonably believes, and documents in the borrower's file, that the borrower or endorser intends to repay the loans, but due to poor health or other acceptable reasons, is currently unable to make payments. The borrower is responsible for the interest that accrues on the loan during the forbearance period. Discretionary forbearance time is limited and subject to lender approval.

Contact us at (800)736-5727 or (806)324-4100 for forbearance eligibility requirements and a forbearance request. If you are eligible, we may be able to offer you a "verbal forbearance". A verbal forbearance means we can accept your request for forbearance over the telephone.

Please allow adequate time for us to receive and process your forbearance.

You can obtain information concerning the status of your account by using the Online Account Access feature of this web site or by calling our customer service department at 800-736-5727.

Are you a PLUS Loan Borrower?

If you are, you may qualify for a PLUS forbearance which was designed to provide a source of assistance to PLUS borrowers whose beneficiaries are still enrolled in school at least half time.

Remember: You are responsible for the interest that accrues on the loan(s) during the forbearance period. We recommend you pay the interest that accrues during this time, but it is not considered a requirement. If left unpaid, the accrued interest is added to your principal balance at the end of the forbearance period.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• All your PLUS loans must have been disbursed after 7/01/1993.
• At least one beneficiary must still be enrolled in school at least half-time.
• You must complete a manual PLUS forbearance form. After we receive and approve your forbearance, it will be valid for no more than one year. After that, you must reapply and continue to meet eligibility requirements.

Call us at 800-736-5727 or contact us online to request the PLUS forbearance form or for additional information.