[header] How to defer student loans [title] Understand that deferment is temporary. [step] If you are struggling to make payments on your student loans, you need to recognize that deferment is only a short-term solution. Your loans are not " forgiven, " and you will have to resume making your payments once your designated deferment period is over. 
[substeps] Deferment is best for temporary hardships, like losing a job or working through graduate school. If your financial situation is more long-term, you may want to apply for an income-based repayment plan instead.