Mandatory forbearances must be granted by the servicer to borrowers who are eligible. Borrowers may be eligible if they:
- Have received a national service award while serving in an AmeriCorps position.
- Have qualified for partial repayment of the debt under the U.S. Department of Defense Student Loan Repayment Program.
- Have been accepted into a medical or dental internship or residency program, with additional requirements.
- Have been activated as a National Guard member, but are not eligible for military deferment.
- Have qualified for teacher loan forgiveness.
- Have federal student loan repayments totaling 20% or more of gross monthly income.
These requirements apply primarily to Direct and FFEL program loans. The mandatory forbearance for borrowers with high repayments relative to income is also available on Perkins loans.
Mandatory forbearances are granted for a maximum of one year. Borrowers can request another mandatory forbearance if they are still eligible when the first period expires.
The above forbearance guidelines only apply to federal student loans. Private student loan forbearances are always at the lender's discretion. Each lender sets its eligibility requirements, but full-time students, active-duty military, and unemployed borrowers often qualify. Private forbearance durations may be limited, and fees may apply.