 TITLE: Do Deferred Payments Affect Credit? CONTENT: Loan Deferment Alternatives\n---------------------------\nIn the cases where you may have trouble affording your loan payments but don't want to put your loans into deferment, your deferment request is denied or you've reached the maximum amount of time your loans can be in deferment, you'll need to consider other alternatives.\nYour options will depend on the type of loan you have, your lender or loan servicer, and the reasons you're having trouble affording payments. They may include:\n*   Your lender could offer alternative hardship options, such as temporarily lowering your interest rate or monthly payment amount.\n*   You may be able to switch to a different repayment plan with a lower monthly payment.\n*   You might be able to permanently modify your loan agreement and lower your monthly payments.\n*   You could refinance your loan and your new loan could have a longer term or lower interest rate, which can lead to a lower monthly payment. However, this may require good credit and a higher income. END