Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) Interest Rate Cap*
Interest on federal student loans obtained prior to your military service is limited to 6% during periods of active duty. The interest rate limitation also applies to any private education loans you may have. |
If we identify you as an active duty servicemember through the Department of Defense (DOD) website and you meet the eligibility requirements, we will automatically place your eligible loans on SCRA and monitor your account to ensure that your interest, fees, and costs are capped at 6% while you are serving active duty. If this benefit has not been applied to your account and you believe you are eligible, please contact us.
If you would like to submit your request via paper, please mail a copy of your military orders or a letter from your commanding officer along with your written request for the interest rate cap.
The request and supporting documentation must be received no later than 180 days after your termination or release from active duty. |
Military Service Deferment*
You can postpone federal student loan repayment during certain periods of active duty, such as during war, other military operation, or national emergency, and immediately following active duty. |
Complete the Military/Post-Active Duty Deferment form and have your commanding or personnel officer certify in Section 4.
or
Provide a copy of your military orders or written statement from your commanding or personnel officer. |
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
You may qualify for forgiveness of the remaining balance of your Direct Loans when you’ve made 120 qualifying payments after October 1, 2007, while employed in public service, including military service. |
Please contact Customer Service to request more information. |
Deferments After Active Duty
You can postpone repayment while you prepare to return to school following your active duty. |
Complete the Military/Post-Active Duty Deferment form.
When completing the form, be sure to select the Post-Active Duty Student Deferment option in Section 2 and include all supporting documentation. |
Repayment Based on Income
Repayment plans that base your monthly payment on your income are available. Under these plans, you may qualify for a low or zero payment amount with the possibility of forgiveness of the remaining balance in the future. |
Complete the Income-Driven Repayment Plan Request form. |
HEROES Act Waiver
While you are on active duty, the Department of Education waives many of the documentation requirements attached to program benefits. For example, if you are on a payment plan based on your income and military service prevents you from providing updated information on your family size and income, you can request to have your monthly payment amount maintained. |
Contact Customer Service to inform them you are on active duty and would like to determine if you qualify for any of the HEROES Act Waivers.
To download and complete a HEROES Act Waiver Form, visit the Forms page. |
Department of Defense (DOD) Repayment of Your Loans
In certain circumstances, as determined by the DOD, all or a portion of your loans may be repaid by the DOD. |
Visit Military OneSource to explore DOD information and resources for Higher Education for Service Members. |
Veterans Total and Permanent Disability Discharge
Get more information on loan discharge for disabled veterans. |
Contact the Total and Permanent Disability Servicer:
Phone: 888-303-7818
Explore DisabilityDischarge.com.
Email them for disability information. |
