Deferment Chart for Federal Perkins and National Direct Loans

Borrower is eligible to defer repayment: National Direct Loans (made before 10/1/80) National Direct Loans (made on or after 10/1/80, but before 7/1/93) Perkins Loans (made before 7/1/93) Federal Perkins and Direct Loans (made on or after 7/1/93)
While enrolled as a student at least half-time (medical internship/residency excluded)
Yes (1)
Yes*
Yes *
Yes * (2)
While seeking and unable to find full-time employment
No
No
No
Yes *
Up to 3 years
While experiencing periods of economic hardship
No
No
No
Yes *
Up to 3 years
While engaged in service that qualifies for cancellation
No
No
No
Yes *
While serving in an eligible internship or residency
No
Yes *
Up to 2 years
Yes *
Up to 2 years
No
While a member of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard
Yes
Up to 3 years
Yes*
Up to 3 years
Yes *
Up to 3 years
No
While an officer in the Commissioned Corps of U.S. Public Health Service
No
Yes *
Up to 3 years
Yes *
Up to 3 years
No
While on full-time duty as a member of NOAA
No
No
Yes*
Up to 3 years
No
While a mother of preschool-age children and starting or returning to work at a salary no more than $1 above minimum hourly wage
No
No
Yes *
Up to 3 years
No
During period of hardship to the borrower (prolonged illness or unemployment)**
Yes
Yes
Yes
No

Notes:
(1) Defense Loans made before October 1, 1980, allow deferments of up to 3 years for students enrolled less than half-time.
(2) Includes graduate fellowship, fellowship-supported study, and approved rehabilitation programs.
(3) Spouse only.
(4) Spouse or other dependent.
* This deferment is followed by a six-month grace period before repayment begins. During the grace period, principal need not be paid and interest does not accrue.
** Principal may be deferred, but interest continues to accrue.