Residents with Direct Loans

[MarissaNicole]

Any Residents out there with Direct Loans? With them taking away deferrment I was just wondering how hard it is to get forebearance. I know you have to fill out the form, but I was wondering if they automatically grant it or if its a lengthy/risky process.

(If forebearance is difficult to get we will need to anticipate doing the Income Based Repayment)

This was a few years ago, but DH did forbearance with Direct Loans. It was not a big deal at all. I think he had to do it annually and might have also needed the GME dept to verify his being a resident. I'm fuzzy on recalling it, but don't remember it being much of a hassle (other than him remembering to do it ).

ETA: Here is a link to the form. https://www.dl.ed.gov/borrower/Foreb...tializeContext

While DH's was being processed, I think he received a bill for a loan payment which was later removed once the forbearance was granted.

[Deebs]

We went through this two for about a six month period, I think. The key is basically to have good contact if and when you receive a bill. So, apply for the forbearance, but even if granted, make sure you're opening your statements and they say that nothing is due (DH is really great at ignoring mail).