The job market can be tough. If you are unemployed, though rigorously looking for work, you may be stressing out about the federal student loan payments that hover over your head. This can dampen your spirits as you summon the energy for interviews. You may qualify for an unemployment deferment which is granted by the federal government to the unemployed who are disabled, experiencing economic hardship, have signed up for military service or qualify in another way. If you are sinking under the weight of your federal student loan you owe it to yourself to check out this federal program. Federal Direct Loan Center Call the federal direct loan servicing center at 1-800-848-0979. If you have been unable to make timely payments on your loan, you have to ask for forbearance. It means that your loan will not be forwarded to a collection agency while your application for employment deferment is being considered. Application Form You will need an application for an employment deferment. Ask the representative you speak with at the federal direct loan servicing center to mail one directly to you. Proof Of Unemployment You will have to document the fact that you are unemployed. If you are receiving unemployment insurance this should be a sufficient proof. If you are not yet receiving unemployment insurance you can read more about how you can prove that you are unemployed at studentaid.ed.gov. Check Application After submitting your application for deferment you can check online or via telephone whether it was accepted or not. You should know that you can apply for your deferment online at studentaid.ed.gov. Doing so may be more convenient for you, though you should feel free to phone a government representative if you are confused about any part of the process. You should also know that most deferments are granted for a period of three years and that you will not be eligible for other federal student loans during this time period.
Jack Lowder
