Can You Stop Student Loan Repayments When on Maternity Leave?

Everyone · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What do you need before you start to pause student loan payments on maternity leave?

Before contacting your loan servicer about pausing student loan payments during maternity leave, prepare all necessary information and documentation. This includes your loan account number, recent pay stubs or proof of income reflecting your maternity leave pay (which might be reduced or zero), and official documentation confirming your maternity leave status. Examples include a letter from your employer’s HR department, a doctor’s note, or a leave approval form. Having these ready helps your servicer verify your financial hardship quickly, a requirement for deferment or forbearance.

It’s also helpful to have your most recent loan statement or online account access information to check balances and payment schedules. If you have multiple loans, gather details on each. Knowing your loan type is important because deferment benefits vary: federally subsidized loans typically do not accrue interest during deferment, while unsubsidized and private loans do.

Finally, make note of your expected maternity leave duration and your anticipated return-to-work date. This helps you request a payment pause for an appropriate length of time and avoid surprises when payments resume. If you are unsure about your leave length or finances, it’s okay to request a shorter deferment and extend it later with updated information.

Can you completely stop student loan repayments while on maternity leave?

Federal student loan repayments do not automatically stop when you go on maternity leave. Unlike some benefits such as paid family leave or short-term disability, student loan payments continue unless you take action. However, financial hardship caused by reduced income during leave can qualify you for temporary relief programs.

Two common options are deferment and forbearance:

• Deferment: This pauses payments for a set period, often up to 12 months at a time. During deferment, interest generally does not accrue on subsidized federal loans, which can save you money. For unsubsidized federal loans and most private loans, interest continues to accumulate.
• Forbearance: This option also pauses or reduces payments but interest accrues on all loan types during forbearance. It’s usually granted for shorter periods or if you don’t qualify for deferment.

Neither option erases your debt; they just provide temporary relief. After the pause period ends, payments resume, often requiring a plan to catch up if interest added during the pause.

For example, if you earn $400 a month during maternity leave (from partial pay or benefits) and your standard loan payment is $350, you might qualify for deferment if your income meets hardship criteria. Otherwise, forbearance or switching to an income-driven repayment plan could reduce your payment amount temporarily.

What are the specific steps to pause or reduce your student loan payments during maternity leave?

1. Contact your loan servicer immediately: Call or log into your loan servicer’s website to notify them of your maternity leave and ask about deferment or forbearance options. Early contact prevents missed payments.
2. Request the correct application forms: Your servicer will send forms or direct you to online applications for deferment (such as economic hardship deferment) or forbearance.
3. Collect and submit required documentation: Provide proof of maternity leave, such as a letter from your employer or doctor, and evidence of reduced or lost income (pay stubs, unemployment benefits). If you are self-employed or have fluctuating income, consider providing recent tax returns or bank statements.
4. Specify the length of the payment pause: Indicate the start date of your leave and your expected return date. You can request up to 12 months initially, often with the option to renew.
5. Review and select the best option: Your servicer will confirm eligibility. If you qualify for deferment, it’s usually preferable because it may reduce interest costs. If not, forbearance or income-driven repayment plans are alternatives.
6. Get written confirmation: Once approved, ask for a letter or email confirming your payment pause, including start and end dates, so you have proof and can avoid confusion.
7. Monitor your account: Check monthly statements or your online account to make sure payments are not processed during the pause and to track interest accumulation.

For example, here’s what you might say when calling your servicer: "Hello, I am currently on maternity leave starting [date] and my income has significantly decreased. I would like to apply for a deferment or forbearance to pause my student loan payments during this time. What steps do I need to take, and what documentation do you require?"

How will you know if your student loan payment pause worked?

After submitting your application, your loan servicer should send a written response, usually within a few weeks, confirming whether your deferment or forbearance request is approved or denied. This confirmation will include:

• The start and end dates of your payment pause
• Whether interest will continue to accrue during the pause
• Instructions on when payments will resume and any new payment amounts

Your monthly loan statement or your online loan account should reflect a $0 payment or a reduced payment during the approved pause period. If you are still being billed or payments are withdrawn from your bank account, contact your servicer immediately to correct the error.

Set reminders for yourself a few weeks before the pause ends to prepare to resume payments or to request an extension if your situation hasn’t changed. Some servicers send reminders, but it’s best to be proactive so you don’t miss payments.

For example, if you requested a 6-month deferment starting July 1, you should receive a confirmation letter by mid-July. Your July through December statements should show no payment due. Around November, start planning to resume payments or apply for an extension.

What should you do if you encounter problems stopping payments on maternity leave?

If your request is denied, delayed, or payments continue despite your application, take these steps:

• Double-check your paperwork: Ensure all required forms and documentation were submitted correctly and completely. Missing documents often cause delays or denials.
• Call your loan servicer again: Speak to a supervisor if the first representative is unhelpful. Be clear, polite, and persistent.
• Keep thorough records: Save emails, letters, and notes from phone calls including dates, names, and times. This documentation is important if you need to escalate.
• File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: If your servicer is uncooperative or violates your rights, you can file a complaint online at the CFPB website or by phone.
• Explore other repayment options: If deferment or forbearance is unavailable, ask about income-driven repayment plans, which adjust monthly payments based on your reduced income during maternity leave.
• Seek financial counseling: Nonprofit credit counseling agencies can help you navigate options and negotiate with your servicer.

For example, if your servicer claims you don’t qualify for deferment but you have official documentation of leave and reduced income, escalate your case and file a complaint if necessary.

How can these steps be adapted for private or nonfederal student loans?

Private student loans do not have the same federal protections and options, so you must review your loan contract or contact your private lender directly about options. Some private lenders offer hardship programs, but these are not guaranteed.

When contacting your private lender:

• Clearly explain your maternity leave situation and request a temporary pause or reduction in payments.
• Ask what documentation they require—often similar to federal loans but may include more paperwork.
• Inquire if interest will accrue during the pause and whether missed payments will be added to the loan balance or extended into the future.
• Request written confirmation of any agreement.
• If your lender cannot offer deferment or forbearance, ask if they will accept a temporary payment modification or interest-only payments.

If you have multiple private loans, repeat this process with each lender. Keep in mind that missing payments without an official agreement can harm your credit score and lead to collection efforts.

For example, you might say: "I am currently on maternity leave and my income has decreased. I am requesting a temporary payment pause or reduction for my loan account number [X]. What options do you offer for borrowers in my situation?"

What other options can help manage student loan payments while on maternity leave?

Beyond deferment and forbearance, you have several strategies to manage student loan payments during maternity leave:

• Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Plans: For federal loans, IDR plans calculate payments based on your adjusted gross income. If your income drops during maternity leave, your payments could become very low or even $0. You must apply annually and provide proof of income.
• Refinancing: This option may lower your interest rate but requires stable income and good credit, which may be challenging during maternity leave. Consider refinancing after you return to work.
• Budget adjustment: Temporarily reduce discretionary spending or tap into savings to cover necessary payments.
• Employer assistance: Some employers offer student loan repayment help or maternity benefits that can ease financial burden.
• Payment date changes: Ask your servicer to change your payment due date to better align with your cash flow during leave.

For example, if your maternity leave pay is $1,200 per month but your student loan payment is $400, switching to an IDR plan might reduce your payment to $150 or defer it temporarily. You could then use the extra funds for baby expenses.

Where can you find more information and assistance?

Reliable, up-to-date information on federal student loan repayment options during maternity leave can be found on the Federal Student Aid website and by contacting your loan servicer directly. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s website offers resources and complaint filing options if you encounter problems.

For private loans, check your lender’s website or call customer service to understand available hardship programs. Nonprofit credit counseling organizations can guide you through your options and help with budgeting.

Explore related articles such as Can You Pause Student Loan Repayments?, which explains deferment and forbearance in detail, and Common Student Loan Repayment Questions Answered for broader repayment guidance.

Remember, student loan rules change periodically, so verify current policies with trusted sources before making decisions.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a full refund of student loan payments made before maternity leave?

Typically, no. Payments already made are not refundable unless an administrative error occurred. You can inquire with your loan servicer if you believe you overpaid, but maternity leave alone does not qualify for refunds.

Will interest accrue on my student loans if I pause payments during maternity leave?

It depends. Subsidized federal loans usually do not accrue interest during deferment, but unsubsidized and private loans typically do. Forbearance accrues interest on all loans. Check your loan type before applying.

How long can I pause my student loan payments for maternity leave?

Deferment and forbearance periods vary but generally last up to 12 months initially, with possible extensions. Discuss your situation with your servicer to apply for an appropriate length.

Does maternity leave income count when applying for income-driven repayment plans?

Yes. Income-driven repayment plans use your current income, so reduced or no income during maternity leave will lower your monthly payments accordingly.

What happens if I miss student loan payments during maternity leave without arranging a pause?

Missing payments can lead to late fees, credit damage, and possible default. Contact your servicer before missing payments to arrange options and avoid negative consequences.

Are there special protections for student loans during maternity leave under federal law?

There is no specific federal law granting automatic payment pause for maternity leave. However, existing hardship options like deferment, forbearance, and income-driven repayment provide relief.