For instructions on completing deferment or cancellation forms, please visit the benefit form instructions web page.

Perkins loans are eligible for deferments and cancellations.  Eligibility and forms may be obtained for:

Student Deferment 

Once you leave UWS, (graduate, transfer, or drop below half time), you may be eligible for periods of deferment.  Interest does not accrue and principal payment is not required.

Cancellation for Teachers 

If you are a full-time elementary/secondary/head start teacher, working in low-income schools, working solely with special needs students (additional forms are required; please see instructions), working in designated specialty subjects or working in a school governed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), you may be eligible for partial cancellation of your loan for each year of teaching service.

Cancellation for Service/Employment 

If you are in the military, peace corps/vista, law enforcement/correctional office, qualified professional provider of early intervention, employee of child or family service agency (additional forms are required; please see instructions), nurse, or medical technician, pre-kindergarten or child care program licensed by State, full time firefighter, librarian in Title I school, or full time speech language pathologist in Title I school, you may be eligible for partial cancellation of your loan for each year of service.

Unemployment Deferment 

If you are experiencing difficulty paying your loan due to unemployment or underemployment, you may be eligible for an unemployment deferment.  Unemployment deferments can last up to 3 years followed by a 6 month grace period.  Principal payment is deferred and interest does not accrue during this period.

Economic Hardship 

If you are experiencing difficulty paying your loan due to circumstances other than unemployment or underemployment, you may be eligible for an economic hardship.  Economic hardships can last up to 3 years followed by a 6 month grace period.  Principal payment is deferred and interest does not accrue during this period.

Forbearance 

During an approved forbearance period, principal payment is deferred.  Interest continues to accrue and may be determined payable on monthly basis or as lump sum at the end of the period.  Forbearance may last up to 3 years.