Student loans can be heavy. Not just in amount but in the mental weight they carry. If you’re struggling to make payments you are not alone. That’s where forbearance comes in
But what is forbearance really and who gets to use it It is not as simple as just hitting pause
Forbearance Is Not Forgiveness
Some people hear the word forbearance and think it means the debt goes away. It does not
When a student loan is placed in forbearance your monthly payments are temporarily suspended or reduced. That sounds like a relief and sometimes it genuinely is. But interest does not stop building. It keeps ticking every single day
So while you get a break from payments your balance could quietly grow. You might owe more after forbearance than before it started
Why Would Someone Use Forbearance
Life does not always move in straight lines
Maybe you just lost your job. Maybe your hours were cut. Maybe you are dealing with a medical emergency or something personal you did not see coming.
In those moments paying student loans might feel impossible. Forbearance gives borrowers a short term option to breathe without defaulting. It is not about skipping responsibility. It is about survival
But not all reasons qualify and not all loans respond the same way
Two Types of Forbearance You Need to Know
The federal government offers two kinds of forbearance for student loans general forbearance and mandatory forbearance
They sound similar. They are not
General Forbearance
This is also called discretionary forbearance because your loan servicer decides whether or not to approve it. That means even if you apply there is no guarantee
You need to show financial difficulty unexpected medical expenses job loss or other issues that make repayment tough. If they believe your reason qualifies they will grant it
It typically lasts for up to 12 months at a time. You can apply again later but there is a total limit usually no more than three years
Mandatory Forbearance
This kind does not leave room for judgment. If you qualify your loan servicer must approve it
Some situations where this applies include
serving in a medical or dental internship or residency
being in a national service program like AmeriCorps
being in the National Guard without military deferment eligibility
having a monthly student loan payment that is at least 20 percent of your gross income
If you fit the criteria you get the break. No discussion
But the interest still builds during this time just like with general forbearance
What Kinds of Loans Are Eligible
Not all student loans are created equal
Federal loans are the main players here. That includes Direct Loans loans from the Federal Family Education Loan program and Perkins Loans
Private loans are different altogether. They do not follow the same rules.
Some private lenders offer forbearance but many do not. Some limit the time or charge extra for the pause. The only way to know is to ask your lender directly. Every private loan is its own story
What Happens During Forbearance
Let us say your forbearance request is approved. You have a few months without payments. So what happens next
It may feel like everything is on hold but that loan balance is still active. Interest keeps building. And once your forbearance ends that unpaid interest may be added to your loan balance. This is called capitalization
Now you are paying interest on a bigger number. That means your monthly payments could increase and you will pay more over time
Some borrowers do not realize this until it is too late. You check your balance and it is higher than when you started. That can hit hard
Should You Use Forbearance
That depends.
Forbearance is not always a bad idea. If it helps you avoid default or a credit hit during a rough patch it can be smart in the short term.
But it should not be your first or only move. Think of it like putting your loan in a holding pattern. You are not fixing the problem. You are just buying time
Alternatives That Might Make More Sense
A lot of people choose forbearance without checking other options. That can be a costly mistake
If your income is low or uncertain an income driven repayment plan might be better. These plans adjust your monthly payment based on what you actually earn. Some borrowers even qualify for zero dollar payments
Unlike forbearance some income driven plans come with interest benefits. And after a set number of years any remaining balance can be forgiven
Another option is deferment. This is especially useful if you are in school unemployed or serving in the military. Deferment often pauses payments without interest accruing on subsidized loans
Compare all your choices before making a move. Forbearance is just one tool.
How To Apply for Forbearance
You will need to contact your loan servicer directly. They will provide the application and explain any required documentation.
Some forbearances are easy to get. Others need proof of income loss or medical bills. Once you send the paperwork the processing time can vary
Until your forbearance is officially approved keep making payments if possible. If you stop too early those missed payments might be reported as late
And don’t assume anything. You have to apply. Nothing happens automatically
Does Forbearance Hurt Your Credit
Forbearance itself does not damage your credit. Your loan is considered in good standing during that time
But there is a catch. If you miss payments before forbearance is approved those late payments will be reported to credit agencies. That can lower your credit score
And if interest adds to your balance it can raise your total debt which may affect your credit in other ways
So timing matters. Communication matters. The earlier you act the better
The Emotional Weight No One Talks About
It is easy to talk numbers and interest rates. But let us be real for a second
Borrowers who enter forbearance often carry guilt and stress even when it is the right decision. They wonder if they are falling behind if they are doing something wrong
There is no shame in asking for breathing room. What matters more is what you do with that time
Use it to build a plan. Rework your budget. Look for ways to stabilize your income. You are not escaping your loans. You are preparing to face them
Who Should Avoid Forbearance
Not everyone should use it
If you are eligible for income driven repayment that will almost always serve you better long term. Why Letting interest pile up through forbearance could end up costing you thousands more
And if you are working toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness time spent in forbearance may not count toward your 120 qualifying payments. That is a big setback
So ask yourself this Is my situation temporary or ongoing Your answer should shape your choice
What Happens When It Ends
Forbearance does not last forever. Eventually payments start again
If you are not ready when that happens you could fall behind fast. Many servicers will not notify you until the last minute
Put a reminder in your phone. Set an alert. Check your account a month before it ends. If you still need help look into other options before payments resume
Because once the pause is over the pressure comes back
Final Thoughts
Forbearance is a safety valve. Not a solution
It can help you stay afloat when things get tough. But it does not make the loan go away. It does not shrink your debt. In fact it might grow it
Use it with intention. Ask questions. Know the tradeoffs. And whatever you do stay engaged with your loan servicer
Debt is hard enough. You should not have to navigate it blind.