Every month, HESC’s “Question and Answer” Web feature includes an interesting question presented to the Office of Counsel and Regulatory Compliance staff. This month’s winning question is:

If a Parent PLUS borrower is deferring payments on their FFEL PLUS loans based on their own enrollment at an eligible post-secondary institution, must regular monthly payments resume immediately after they cease to meet in-school requirements?

Not necessarily. For loans first disbursed on or after 7/1/2008, Parent PLUS borrowers may, upon request, defer those loans for the six-month period following the date they ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis.

Please note that while Parent Plus borrowers must request this post-enrollment deferment, Graduate PLUS borrowers need not request it and, in fact, have the option not to use the deferment.

Direct questions regarding this guidance to the Office of Counsel and Regulatory Compliance at 518-473-3986; or toll-free at 1-866-431-HESC (1-866-431-4372), press 6; or via email at askpolicy@hesc.org.