Defer Parent PLUS Loan: 5-Step Guide to Pausing Your Parent PLUS Payments
- alexliberato3
- Jul 16, 2025
- 7 min read
Handling Parent PLUS Loans can feel tough when money’s tight. You might need to pause payments while your child stays enrolled or while you line up a consolidation plan. To defer parent plus loan payments, you have to make a formal request—it won’t happen on its own. In this guide, you’ll find five straightforward steps to submit your paperwork and confirm your deferment. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do and who to contact to hit pause on your payments.
Key Takeaways
Complete the Parent PLUS Borrower Deferment Request to start the process
Submit your form via StudentAid.gov and keep an eye on its status
Reach out to your Parent PLUS Loan servicer to confirm they received your request
File a Direct PLUS Loan Request if you plan to roll your loans into one
Include deferment details on your FAFSA to officially pause payments
1. Parent PLUS Borrower Deferment Request
It might be a good idea to put off paying back your child's education loans, depending on what's going on with you. For example, maybe you want to go back to school or you're trying to pay off your own student loans. If that's the case, you might not have enough money to make those PLUS Loan payments right now. It could be smart to wait until you have more money to handle those extra payments.
Parent PLUS Loan borrowers can also choose to wait on payments until they can combine their loans into something else. The double-consolidation loophole that's around until 2025 lets you get a Direct Consolidation Loan, which can get you into some helpful federal programs.
Programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and income-driven repayment plans (IDR plans) beyond income-contingent repayment (ICR) could become available through this method.
Keep in mind that Parent PLUS Loans don't automatically get deferred like some other student loans. You have to ask for it. Here's how:
Fill out the Parent PLUS Borrower Deferment Request form from the U.S. Department of Education.
Send the completed form to whoever handles your Parent PLUS Loan. You can find out who that is by logging into your StudentAid.gov account.
Check with your child's school to see if you can ask for deferment while you're filling out a Direct PLUS Loan Request.
It's important to remember that interest keeps adding up on Parent PLUS Loans even when you're not making payments. So, while deferment can give you some breathing room, the total amount you owe will increase over time.
Just because you can defer doesn't always mean it's the best move for you. There might be other options, especially if you need relief from Parent PLUS Loan payments. For example, you could change your repayment plan. Right now, ICR is the only IDR plan available to Parent PLUS borrowers. But, it usually means the highest monthly payment compared to other IDR options. You can get access to other IDR plans and repayment terms through a process called double-consolidation. This lets you use the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan. There's a limited time to use double-consolidation, though.
2. StudentAid.gov
Navigating the StudentAid.gov website is a key step in understanding and potentially applying for a Parent PLUS Loan deferment. It's like the central hub for all things related to federal student aid, and it offers a wealth of information and resources.
The website provides detailed explanations of deferment options, eligibility requirements, and the application process.
Think of it as your go-to source for official information straight from the Department of Education. It can be a little overwhelming at first, but taking the time to explore the site can really pay off.
Here's what you can typically do on StudentAid.gov:
Review deferment eligibility criteria.
Access and download deferment application forms.
Find contact information for your loan servicer.
Learn about other repayment options if deferment isn't the best fit.
It's always a good idea to double-check any information you find online with the official sources. StudentAid.gov is that official source for federal student loans. This helps ensure you're making informed decisions based on accurate details.
3. Parent PLUS Loan Servicer
When you secure a Parent PLUS Loan to assist with your child's educational costs, a loan servicer is assigned to manage your account. It's important to understand that even though the loan is intended for your child's education, the debt is your responsibility. The loan is in your name, and you are solely responsible for repaying it.
Your loan servicer acts as the point of contact for all things related to your Parent PLUS Loan. They handle your payments, provide information about your loan balance, and assist with any questions or concerns you might have.
Here's what you should do:
Identify your servicer: If you're unsure who your servicer is, log into your account on StudentAid.gov. This website provides a comprehensive overview of your federal student loans, including servicer information.
Contact your servicer: Once you know who your servicer is, reach out to them directly. They can provide specific details about your loan, including the interest rate, repayment schedule, and available deferment options.
Explore repayment options: Your servicer can explain the different repayment plans available for Parent PLUS Loans. While the Income Contingent Repayment (ICR) plan is the only income-driven repayment (IDR) plan directly accessible, other options may become available through double consolidation.
Staying in contact with your loan servicer is important. They can help you navigate the complexities of loan repayment and ensure you're making informed decisions about your Parent PLUS Loan.
4. Direct PLUS Loan Request
When seeking a deferment, it's useful to understand how it interacts with the Direct PLUS Loan request process. You might be able to submit your deferment request while completing the Direct PLUS Loan application, but this depends on your child's school's policies. Always confirm with the school first.
It's important to note that requesting a deferment doesn't guarantee approval. The loan servicer will review your request and determine eligibility based on federal guidelines.
Here's a breakdown of key considerations:
Timing: Check if you can submit the deferment request simultaneously with your Direct PLUS Loan application.
School Policy: Confirm the specific procedures with your child's educational institution.
Servicer Confirmation: Always verify that your loan servicer has received and is processing your deferment request. You can find your loan servicer by logging into your StudentAid.gov account.
It's also wise to explore alternatives to deferment, especially if you need more substantial relief from Parent PLUS Loan payments. Options like income-driven repayment plans or loan consolidation might be more suitable depending on your financial situation. Remember to use a Parent PLUS calculator to evaluate your options.
5. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
While you're looking at deferring your Parent PLUS loan, it's a good idea to revisit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Why? Because your financial situation might have changed since you initially applied for aid. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal student aid, and changes in income or family size could impact the amount of aid you qualify for.
Think of it this way: the FAFSA is like a snapshot of your financial health. If that snapshot looks different now than it did before, it's worth updating. Plus, some deferment options might require you to demonstrate financial need, and the FAFSA is the primary way the government assesses that need. So, even if you're just exploring your options, filling out the FAFSA again can give you a clearer picture of what's available to you. It's free, and it could potentially open doors to additional assistance or federal loans that you weren't aware of.
FAFSA is your ticket to free college aid. Filling it out early could unlock grants, scholarships, and work-study jobs. It only takes a few minutes to apply. Book your FAFSA help at Student Loan Coach today!
## Conclusion
Stopping Parent PLUS Loan payments is simple once you know the steps. Start by getting the deferment request form from StudentAid.gov and filling it out. Send it with proof of your child’s half-time status or your own enrollment to your loan servicer. When it’s approved, payments pause while the student is in school and for six months after they drop below half time. Interest still grows during that time, so you can choose to pay just the interest each month. Keep track of when deferment ends and talk to your servicer about other options like loan consolidation or moving to a lower payment plan. That way, you gain a break and stay set for the next phase of repayment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to defer Parent PLUS Loan payments?
Deferring Parent PLUS Loan payments means you ask the loan servicer to pause your monthly bills for a while. You still owe the money, but you do not have to make payments for the approved period.
Who can apply for a Parent PLUS Loan deferment?
You can apply if your child is enrolled at least half-time in school. You may also qualify if you go back to school yourself at half-time or more. In both cases, you must fill out the request form.
How do I request a deferment for my Parent PLUS Loan?
First, get the Parent PLUS Borrower Deferment Request form from the U.S. Department of Education. Fill it out and send it to your loan servicer. You can find your servicer’s contact details by logging into your StudentAid.gov account.
Will interest stop growing while my loan is in deferment?
No. Interest continues to build up on Parent PLUS Loans during deferment. If you do not pay the interest as it grows, it will be added to your loan balance once deferment ends.
How long can I keep my Parent PLUS Loan in deferment?
You can defer payments while your child stays enrolled at least half-time and for six months after they drop below half-time enrollment. If you go back to school, you can defer until you leave school or drop below half-time.
Are there other ways to lower my payments beside deferment?
Yes. You can look into forbearance if you face a short-term money problem. You could also switch to an income-driven repayment plan by consolidating your loans. Each option has its own rules and costs to consider.
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