What is Deferment

What is Deferment

Deferment is a financial term that means delaying payments for a set period. It’s often used for loan repayments, education loans, taxes, and other financial duties. People usually choose deferment when they’re going through temporary financial problems and need more time to manage their money.

For example, if a person has taken a student loan but is still studying and not earning yet, they may request the bank to defer the loan payments until they get a job. Similarly, in times of financial crises like a job loss or medical emergency, deferment allows borrowers to postpone their payments without facing immediate penalties.

How Does Deferment Work?

When a person requests deferment, they do not have to make regular payments for a specific period. However, it does not mean that the payment is canceled. The loan or dues still exist, and once the deferment period ends, the person has to resume payments.

Some deferments let the borrower pause both the principal and interest payments, while others only require paying the interest during the deferment period. It depends on the rules set by the lender or financial institution.

For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many banks allowed home loan borrowers or any loan borrower to defer EMI payments for a few months to help them manage their expenses.

Types of Deferment

  1. Loan Deferment – This is when borrowers ask for a temporary break from paying their EMIs. It's common with student loans, home loans, and personal loans.

  2. Education Loan Deferment – Students with education loans can request a break from payments until they finish their studies and start earning. Some banks even allow a break for a few months after getting a job.

  3. Tax Payment Deferment – The government may let people delay paying taxes, especially during natural disasters or financial struggles.

  4. Credit Card Payment Deferment – Banks may allow customers to delay credit card payments for a short time, but interest still keeps adding up on the unpaid amount.

  5. Business Loan Deferment – Businesses facing financial problems can ask for a delay in loan payments until their money situation improves.

  6. Mortgage or Home Loan Deferment – Homebuyers might be allowed to delay EMI payments during financial difficulties, but the total interest will increase.

When Should You Consider Deferment?

  1. If you are facing a temporary financial crisis, such as job loss, medical emergency, or a sudden family responsibility.

  2. If you are a student and cannot afford to repay an education loan until you start earning.

  3. If your business is going through a rough phase and you need time to recover financially.

  4. If you are waiting for an expected income source, such as a new job or a pending payment, and need short-term financial relief.

  5. If there is a government or bank policy allowing deferment due to a natural disaster or economic crisis.

Pros and Cons of Deferment

Pros:

  1. It provides temporary financial relief by postponing payments.

  2. It helps borrowers avoid loan defaults and maintain their credit score.

  3. Some deferments do not charge extra interest, making it a good option during financial struggles.

  4. It allows students to focus on their studies without worrying about loan repayments.

  5. Businesses can stabilize their cash flow before resuming loan payments.

Cons:

  1. Interest may continue to accumulate, increasing the total repayment amount.

  2. The loan tenure may increase due to the postponed payments.

  3. Not all lenders allow deferment, and some may charge fees for it.

  4. It is a temporary solution and does not erase the loan or payment obligations.

  5. If not managed properly, it may create a bigger financial burden in the future.

How to Apply for Deferment?

  1. Contact your bank or lender and explain your financial situation.

  2. Check if you are eligible for deferment as per the lender’s policy.

  3. Submit the required documents, such as proof of financial difficulty, medical emergency, or job loss.

  4. Get written confirmation from the lender about the terms of deferment, including interest charges and repayment conditions.

  5. Plan your finances wisely so that you can resume payments after the deferment period.

Alternatives to Deferment

  1. Restructuring the Loan – Some banks allow borrowers to modify their loan terms, such as reducing the EMI amount by increasing the tenure.

  2. Partial Payments – Instead of full deferment, borrowers can pay only the interest or a reduced EMI.

  3. Loan Refinancing – Transferring the loan to another lender with better terms can reduce financial stress.

  4. Emergency Savings – If possible, using emergency savings instead of deferment can prevent additional interest accumulation.

  5. Government Relief Programs – Some government schemes provide financial relief for specific situations, such as farmers facing crop failure.

Conclusion

Deferment is a helpful option for people going through temporary financial problems. It allows borrowers to manage their money without missing loan payments. However, it doesn’t mean you can avoid payments forever. Before choosing deferment, it’s important to understand how it will affect interest and the time to repay the loan. Planning ahead can help you use deferment wisely and avoid extra financial stress later.

How can EasyBankLoan help you in taking a loan?

We understand that getting a loan can be very stressful with confusing documents, unclear communication, and various other challenges. That is why we take care of your loan application process, saving you time and hassle by handling the paperwork and communicating with the loan providers.

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Need help? Reach out at support@eazybankloan.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Does deferment mean my loan is canceled?

    • No, deferment only postpones payments for a limited period. You still need to repay the loan after the deferment period ends.

  2. Will deferment affect my credit score?

    • If the lender allows deferment and you follow the terms, it will not negatively impact your credit score. However, missing payments without lender approval can lower your score.

  3. Can I request deferment for multiple loans at the same time?

    • Yes, if you have multiple loans, you can request deferment for each, but approval depends on the lender’s policies.

  4. Is deferment the same as loan restructuring?

    • No, deferment temporarily postpones payments, while restructuring changes the loan terms, such as reducing EMIs or increasing tenure.

  5. How long can I defer my loan payments?

    • The deferment period depends on the lender and type of loan. It can range from a few months to a couple of years in special cases like student loans.

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