Federal Loan Repayment Benefits

In acknowledgement of your service to our country, there are special benefits and repayment options for your student loans available from the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Defense. Contact your student loan servicer for more details.

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BENEFIT

DESCRIPTION

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.

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.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

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.

Deferments After Active Duty

You can postpone repayment while you prepare to return to school following your active duty.

0% Interest

While you are serving in a hostile area that qualifies you for special pay, you do not have to pay interest on Direct Loans made on or after October 1, 2008, for up to 60 months.

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.

HEROES Act Waiver

While you are on active duty, the Department of Education waives many of the documentation requirements attached to program benefi       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.

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.

Veterans Total and Permanent Disability Discharge

If you have a service-connected disability, you may qualify for discharge of your federal student loans.