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Tuesday, July 29, 2025
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Can Military Students Defer Loans While Enrolled? Yes, and Here’s How

This content was paid for by an advertiser. The Emory Wheel newsroom was not involved in creating this content.

Being a military student means you're constantly shifting gears. One moment you're reviewing class notes, the next you're responding to duty calls. It is not just a full plate. It is a balancing act between two demanding roles that rarely pause for each other. 

Now, throw student loans into the mix. The pressure to stay on top of payments while managing your service and studies can feel overwhelming. But here is the part many miss. You may not need to make those payments at all while you're enrolled and serving. 

There are built-in deferment options designed specifically for military borrowers, and they could make a real difference in your financial routine. Curious how to access that breathing room without getting tangled in red tape? Keep reading. It is easier than you think. 

6 Ways Military Students Can Defer Student Loans While Enrolled 

1. Eligibility for Military Deferment on Student Loans 

If you’re serving in the military while enrolled in school, you may already qualify for deferment without realizing it. Federal laws like the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act are designed to ease the financial burden during active duty. One of those benefits is the ability to pause federal student loans legally during qualifying service and enrollment periods. Some private lenders offer similar relief, but their requirements tend to vary. 

Eligibility isn’t one-size-fits-all. You might qualify if you’re called to active duty while attending school at least part-time, or even within six months of leaving school. You could also be eligible if you’re serving in a contingency operation or during the 13 months following your return from active duty. 

Before granting loan deferment, some loan servicers may require proof of a borrower’s active duty status. If documentation isn’t readily available, conducting military records search can help verify eligibility for benefits tied to military enrollment, especially for those juggling both service and school. 

2. The Deferment Process: Steps for Military Students 

It is one thing to know you qualify for deferment. It is another to actually get it approved. The good news is that the process is not as complicated as it sounds, but it does require a few clear steps and some follow-through on your part. 

Start by reaching out to your loan servicer and asking about the deferment request specific to military students. They will typically provide a form that you will need to complete. Along with that, you will need to show proof of both your enrollment and your active duty status. This might mean submitting a copy of your military orders, a DD Form 214, or a signed letter from your commanding officer. 

Once your paperwork is in, do not assume the job is done. Always follow up to make sure your deferment has been processed and applied.  

3. Required Documentation for Loan Deferment 

Paperwork might not be exciting, but when it comes to deferment, it is your strongest ally. Without it, your loan servicer has nothing to work with, and that financial pause you were counting on could hit a wall. 

What do you need? First, proof that you’re serving. This could be a set of official orders, a military affidavit, or a note from your commanding officer confirming your status. These documents tell your loan servicer that you are not just eligible but actively fulfilling the conditions for military deferment. 

Next, show that you are currently enrolled in school. A verification letter, updated course schedule, or transcript usually does the job. The goal is to confirm you are balancing service with education, which is exactly what deferment is meant to support. 

And if you're caught in a deployment cycle or simply can’t access the form yourself, someone you authorize can submit it for you. That way, the process moves forward while you focus on what matters most. 

4. Communicating with Your Loan Servicer 

Conversations with your loan servicer might not top your to-do list, but they can make or break your deferment experience. A quick call or email could save you months of confusion and missed opportunities. 

The moment you receive deployment orders or enroll in school, reach out. Early communication sets the tone and gives your servicer time to guide you through what they need. Think of it like briefing your team before a mission. You want everyone on the same page from the start. 

Once you’ve submitted your documents, do not assume things are in motion. Double-check. Ask if they received everything and confirm when the deferment will take effect. If anything changes, like your enrollment status or military assignment, let them know right away. 

Staying in touch gives you the chance to fix small issues before they grow into big setbacks. The more proactive you are, the smoother your deferment process will be. 

5. Understanding the Terms and Duration of Military Deferment 

Not all deferments are created equal. While most military deferments last as long as your active duty service, the actual terms can vary depending on the loan type and your servicer’s policies. Knowing the fine print helps you make the most of the student loan relief you have earned. 

Before assuming your deferment is set, take a few minutes to review your loan agreement or call your servicer directly. Some deferments may end the moment your service does, while others extend beyond that, especially if you return to school shortly after active duty. 

Also, timing matters. If you are called to serve during your loan’s grace period, you may still be entitled to the full six months once your service ends. Understanding these details keeps you from missing benefits or being caught off guard when repayment resumes. Planning ahead starts with knowing what your deferment actually covers and how long that pause will last. 

6. What Happens After the Deferment Period Ends? 

Once your deferment ends, the pause button is lifted and loan repayment begins again. This shift can catch some borrowers off guard, especially if they have not checked in with their loan servicer ahead of time. 

Instead of waiting for a payment notice, take the lead. Reach out before your deferment ends to confirm when your payments will restart and how much you’ll owe each month. This gives you time to make adjustments and avoid any unexpected charges. 

Setting up automatic payments can simplify things even more. Not only does it help you stay punctual, but some servicers may offer an incentive like a slight interest rate reduction just for enrolling. 

Missing a payment could result in late fees or damage to your credit. But with a little preparation, you can return to repayment confidently and avoid financial slip-ups.  

Conclusion 

Managing student loans while serving your country and continuing your education is no easy feat, but it should not come at the cost of your financial peace. Military deferment exists for a reason. It gives you space to focus on your responsibilities without the pressure of looming loan payments. 

From gathering documentation to communicating with your servicer, each step matters. When you understand the process and your eligibility, you’re in a better position to use the benefits already available to you. 

With the right approach, you can serve, study, and stay financially steady, without letting student loans stand in your way.