Benefits for Service MembersBenefits for Service Members

We understand and appreciate the sacrifices that you make for our country. That is why we want to make you aware of the benefits that may be available to you.

Account Maintenance

While you are serving on active duty, it may be tough to manage your account, but rest assured, you have several options.

Update Your Contact Information

Make sure that we always have up-to-date contact information for you so we know where to send your mail. If you are deployed or traveling for training, be sure that we have your updated contact information before you leave. Sign in to Account Access to update your mailing address, phone number, and email address. This is how we will contact you about your student loans while you are away.

Third Party Permission

You can give us permission to release account information to individuals you authorize. Although they can receive specific information about your loans, they CANNOT make changes to your account. To authorize a third party to obtain your account information:

Power of Attorney

Providing Power of Attorney (POA) to someone you trust may be the most useful option if you have limited access to your account while you are away. Unlike someone who is only authorized to obtain information about your account, you can provide your POA with the ability to make decisions and changes on your account. Contact your Judge Advocate General's Corps office for more information.

Make sure your name and account number are listed on the document prior to mailing or faxing.

Reduced Payment & Loan Forgiveness Options

There are options available to lower your monthly payment amount (as low as $0)! You may even be eligible for partial or complete loan forgiveness.

Income-Driven Repayment Plans

We recommend selecting one of the income-driven plans (Pay As You Earn, Income-Based, or Income-Contingent) since these plans will most likely offer you the lowest payment amount. Additionally, after making the required number of qualifying payments, your outstanding loan balance may be forgiven.

If you want to get an idea of what your payment amount may be on any of the available plans, you can utilize the repayment estimator tool.

Learn more about these plans to see if you qualify.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

The PSLF Program was established to reward you for your work in the public sector. In this program, your outstanding loan balance can be forgiven after you make 120 qualifying payments. The PSLF Program requires some long-term planning.

Learn more about this program to see if you qualify.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)

A great way to save money over the life of your loan is to lower your interest rate. Service members eligible for this benefit can have their interest rate capped at 6% during their service.

Step Number Procedure
Eligibility Requirements
  • Must be an active duty member, or a member absent due to sickness, wounds, leave, or other lawful cause, of the uniformed services:
    • Army
    • Navy
    • Air Force
    • Marines
    • Coast Guard
    • National Guard (must be called to active duty for more than 30 consecutive days for purposes of responding to a national emergency declared by the President and supported by Federal funds.)
    • Commissioned Officer of the Public Health Service or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
    • U.S. citizen serving with a U.S. ally force in the prosecution of a war or military action, if such service is similar to "military service" as defined under the SCRA.
  • Loans must have been disbursed prior to the date that you were called to military service
  • We must receive your request within 180 days of your last day of military service
How to apply
  1. Write a letter that includes your name, account number, and the following two sentences:
    • I am requesting that my interest rate not exceed 6% in accordance with the SCRA.
    • I began active duty service in the (branch) as of (date of service).
  2. Sign and date the page.
  3. Include a copy of your orders.

  4. Mail or fax your completed application and required documents to:

    FedLoan Servicing
    P.O. Box 69184
    Harrisburg, PA 17106-9184

    Fax: (717) 720-1628

  5. If you have student loans serviced by multiple servicers, you must submit a separate request to each servicer to apply for SCRA benefits.

To learn more about SCRA benefits, contact your Judge Advocate General's Corps Office.

0% Military Rate (Service in Areas of Hostilities)

Eligible service members can request a Military Deferment. During the deferment period, your loans are eligible for an interest rate of 0%.

Step Number Procedure
Eligibility Requirements
  • Only Direct loans disbursed on or after October 1, 2008 are eligible.
  • You must serve in an area of hostilities, in which service qualifies for special pay under Section 310 of Title 37 (PDF) of the United States Code.
How to apply
  1. Complete the Military Deferment form (PDF) (also known as the Post-Active Duty Student Deferment form).
  2. Ask your commanding or personnel officer to complete section four of the form and check the box next to item 3.

  3. Mail or fax your completed application and required documents to:

    FedLoan Servicing
    P.O. Box 69184
    Harrisburg, PA 17106-9184

    Fax: (717) 720-1628

Postponing Payments

As a service member, there are specific deferments and forbearances that you may qualify for based on your circumstances.

To find the option that best fits your needs, sign in to Account Access and take our Eligibility Quiz.

Even though a deferment or forbearance may postpone your repayment obligation, we recommend exploring your repayment plan options first. Certain plans may offer you a lower payment option (as low as $0) and keep you on track to paying off your loans faster. You may even qualify to have a portion of your loan forgiven.

General Tips

Here are some useful tips to help you manage your affairs while you are away protecting our country.

  • Set up an online account to make managing your loans easier while away.
  • Apply for Direct Debit so you can establish automatic monthly payments.
  • Send us and your other student loan lenders/servicers a letter and a copy of your orders requesting the SCRA interest rate benefit.
  • Elect a Power of Attorney or provide authorization to a third party.
  • Request the repayment plan that best meets your needs, and consider whether you may benefit from Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
  • Ask your commanding officer of Judge Advocate General's Corps if you think you may qualify for the 0% interest rate for service in an area of hostilities.

Power of Attorney

Are you a Power of Attorney (POA) for an active duty service member? Mail or fax the documentation to:

FedLoan Servicing
P.O. Box 69184
Harrisburg, PA 17106-9184
Fax: (717) 720-1628

Don't forget to include the service member's name and account number (if you have it).

Summary of Benefits

View all of the benefits available to you as a dedicated member of the armed forces.

View the Brochure (PDF)