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Grace Period In Student Loa

Namrata Sukhtankar
June 17, 2021
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6 min read
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Last Updated: April 1, 2024

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The moment you leave school, your student loans will enter repayment in case they already haven’t. However, you will be glad to know that there is a ‘waiting period’ before you are asked to repay the principal you borrowed along with the interest. This sweet period that gives you freedom from those recurring deductions is called the Grace Period. Generally, the grace period lasts for six months. You’ll be more than happy to know that there are various ways in which you can extend this period. Let’s explore these ways and get started with this blog on – Student Loan Grace Period Extension Ways.

student loan grace period, different types and their duration plus the do’s and don’ts, make sure you also read: What Is The Student Loan Grace Period?

When Referring To Student Loans, What Is A Grace Period?

First, let’s understand what is grace period in loan and then we will have a look at the student loan grace period extension ways.

The student loan grace period is a stretch of time after you’ve graduated in which you’re not required to make payments. After the moratorium period in education loan (course duration) this grace period ends. You’ll have to start making monthly loan payments until you clear the entire loan amount. This period is provided so that you have time to become financially settled after graduating, leaving school or dropping below full-time status.

Do note that this grace period isn’t a time to live in blissful ignorance but rather an opportunity to get your personal finances in order before those recurring monthly payments start carving out a chunk of your monthly budget.

In order to know more about the student loan grace period, different types and their duration plus the do’s and don’ts, make sure you also read: What Is The Student Loan Grace Period?

How Long Is A Student Loan Grace Period?

If you are wondering when does the grace period end for student loans, In India, the grace period for student loans offered by banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) typically ranges from 6 to 12 months, allowing borrowers time to find employment and stabilise financially before beginning loan repayment. However, specific grace period terms may vary among different lenders and loan products.

Should You Pay Student Loans During The Grace Period?

In India, whether you should pay student loans during the grace period depends on your individual financial situation and goals. Here are some factors to consider:

Interest Accrual: If your student loan accrues interest during the grace period, making payments early can help reduce the total interest you’ll pay over the life of the loan.

Financial Stability: If you have stable income and can afford to make payments during the grace period without experiencing financial strain, paying down the loan early can help you save on interest and pay off the debt faster.

Other Financial Priorities: Evaluate your overall financial picture and consider other financial priorities, such as building an emergency fund or saving for other goals. If paying down the loan early means sacrificing other essential financial needs, it may be better to wait until after the grace period ends to begin repayment.

Do You Pay Interest During The Grace Period?

It depends on the specific terms of the loan agreement. Some Indian education loans may accrue interest during the grace period, while others may not. It’s essential to review the loan agreement or contact the lender directly to understand the terms regarding interest payments during the grace period.

How To Extend A Student Loan Grace Period? | Student Loan Grace Period Extension Ways

There may arise many instances in which, even after the grace period ends, you may be unable to begin payments. This means you’re probably wondering: Can I extend my grace period?

The answer is yes. Following are some student loan grace period extension ways.

Talking about federal student loans, there are only two ways in which the student loan grace period can be extended. These are:

Returning to school before the end of your loan’s grace period—If you re-enrol at a school at least half-time before your student loan grace period ends, you’ll receive its entire length in the future.

Active military duty—If you are summoned to active military duty for a duration of more than 30 days before the end of your grace period then not only are you able to defer payments while on active duty, but you will also receive the entire six-month grace period when you return from active duty.

Coming to private education loans, lenders generally offer a nine-month student loan grace period. In order to get a student loan extended grace period, enquire with your lender or loan servicer for the available options. For example, it’s possible your loans could be eligible for a deferment or forbearance.

Don’t forget to read: Lawsuits for Private Student Loans

Important Note: Even if you grab a student loan grace period extension, you might want to use it very carefully. It is best recommended that you do not use it at all if there isn’t a dire need. No option makes loans disappear. Also, because interest continues to accrue on most loans during deferment, it adds to the balance you’ll ultimately repay someday.

Must Read: Important Benefits Of Early Education Loan Repayment

Other Options To Defer Payments

As seen above, there are just a handful of student loan grace period extension ways on federal student loans. However, there are alternative options for postponing payments if you are unable to pay. Those include deferment and forbearance.

These two options are very similar to each other. They both allow you to halt paying your student loans during financial hardship, but there are a few key differences. It is more difficult to qualify for deferment but it can last longer than forbearance. In the case of subsidized loans, they will stop accruing interest during a deferment, but not during a forbearance.

Deferment may be granted in any of the following circumstances:

Cancer treatment: Deferment can occur while you undergo treatment, and for six months afterward.
Economic hardship: If you have a low enough income, you may qualify for economic hardship deferment.
Graduate fellowship: If you are enrolled in a graduate fellowship program, you can defer loan payments.
Unemployment: Loans can be deferred up to three years if you are receiving unemployment benefits and actively searching for work.
Parent PLUS borrower: If you are a parent borrower, you can defer payment while your student is enrolled in school at least half time and for six months afterward.
Rehabilitation training: You can defer loans while enrolled in a vocational, drug abuse, mental health, or alcohol abuse rehabilitation program.

To apply for deferment, contact your student loan servicer to find the correct paperwork needed.

Also Read: Seven Expert Tips for Repayment of Multiple Student Loans

There are two types of forbearance: general and mandatory. General forbearance is also known as discretionary forbearance because it is up to the discretion of the loan servicer whether to grant it or not. You may contact your servicer to request a general forbearance for financial difficulties, medical expenses, change in employment, or other reasons, depending upon the servicer’s discretion.

Mandatory forbearance is one wherein your loan servicer is obliged to grant an extension if you meet certain criteria. The possible criteria include:

Your student loan payments are 20% or more of your total monthly gross income
You are participating in the teacher loan forgiveness program
Participation in a medical or dental internship or residency
You qualify for the Department of Defense Student Loan Repayment Program
Serving in AmeriCorps
National guard duty

You can also consider Student Loan Forgiveness Programmes to see if you can eliminate your student loan altogether.

Deferment Vs. Grace Period

Deferment and grace periods are both periods of time during which borrowers of student loans may not be required to make payments, but they differ in key aspects. Given below is a table comparing deferment vs. grace period:

Aspect	Grace Period	Deferment
Definition	A set period after graduation or leaving school during which payments are not required.	A temporary postponement of loan payments granted based on specific eligibility criteria.
Payment Status	No payments required, interest may or may not accrue depending on the loan type.	No payments required, interest may or may not accrue depending on the loan type and deferment reason.
Duration	Predetermined and typically lasts 6 to 12 months.	Variable, granted for specific periods of time based on deferment eligibility criteria.
Eligibility	Automatic for most federal student loans and some private loans.	Borrowers must apply and qualify based on specific criteria outlined by the lender or loan servicer.

That’s it for this blog. Hope you benefit from these student loan grace period extension ways.

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FAQs

Q1. What is the difference between the grace period and moratorium period?

The grace period is a predetermined period after graduation or leaving school during which loan payments are not required, while a moratorium period is a temporary suspension of loan payments granted by the lender or government in specific circumstances.

Q2. What is the grace period for an education loan?

The grace period for an education loan typically ranges from 6 to 12 months, during which borrowers are not required to make payments after graduation or leaving school.

Q3. What is the grace period for late payments?

The grace period for late payments refers to the additional time granted by lenders beyond the due date before considering the payment officially late and imposing penalties.