If you can't pay your federal student loan(s), you may be able to lower or temporarily postpone your monthly payments. Consider one of these options: alternative repayment plans, deferment or forbearance.

We can help you find out if you qualify—ECMC Solutions loan support can walk you through the steps to apply, but only your loan servicer(s) can approve one of these options for your situation.

If you need help getting started, give us a call or explore our student loan help resources.

If you don't make enough money to pay back your federal student loan(s), consider exploring other repayment options that may lower your payments.

Some repayment plans are based on income and family size and offer benefits like loan forgiveness after a set number of years. Other plans start with smaller payments that gradually increase over time.

A deferment can put your federal student loan payments on hold if you return to school, serve in the military, volunteer with an organization such as the Peace Corps, or meet other qualifying criteria. Economic hardship and unemployment deferments are being phased out for newer loans.

There are many types of deferment, each with its own eligibility requirements. We can help you determine if you qualify.

If you are experiencing financial difficulty but are not eligible for a deferment, you may qualify for a forbearance. A forbearance allows you to temporarily stop making payments or reduce your monthly payment amount if you're experiencing financial difficulty. It’s a short-term option that can help you avoid delinquency or default while you get back on track.

There are different types of forbearance, each with its own eligibility criteria and limits. We can help you explore your options and determine if forbearance is the right fit for your situation.