Skip to main content
An official website of the United States government
(855) 411-2372
Submit a Complaint

About us

We're the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a U.S. government agency that makes sure banks, lenders, and other financial companies treat you fairly.

Learn how the CFPB can help you

Is forbearance available for private student loans?

Answer:
Private student loans may or may not have a forbearance option, and the rules vary among lenders. Contact your loan servicer as early as possible if you want to explore this option.

Under forbearance you will eventually owe the new interest charges even if you’re not making payments. You have to apply to your loan servicer for forbearance, and you must continue to make payments until you've been notified your forbearance has been granted. The terms and fees associated with private student loan forbearance vary and may be less borrower-friendly terms than the federal forbearance option.

Contact your loan servicer as early as possible if you want to explore this option.

Was this page helpful to you?

Please do not share any personally identifiable information (PII), including, but not limited to: your name, address, phone number, email address, Social Security number, account information, or any other information of a sensitive nature.

The content on this page provides general consumer information. It is not legal advice or regulatory guidance. The CFPB updates this information periodically. This information may include links or references to third-party resources or content. We do not endorse the third-party or guarantee the accuracy of this third-party information. There may be other resources that also serve your needs.