Skip to main content

North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program (TFP-S) Deferment FAQ

A deferment is a period in which loan forgiveness or cash repayment of a loan is postponed or delayed. Although payments are not due during a deferment period, interest at the rate of 8% will continue to accrue on the outstanding principal balance of your loan. Each approved period of deferment will extend the TFP-S repayment period by the length of the deferment. A borrower may apply for deferment by completing and returning a Postponement/Deferment Form to NCSEAA for approval.

What circumstances qualify for deferment under the TFP-S loan program?

Authorized deferments include the following:

  1. Personal illness for a period of time not to exceed twelve (12) months per each occurrence;
  2. Family medical leave, which means maternity or paternity leave upon the birth or adoption of a child or leave to provide necessary care for a member of the Teaching Fellow’s immediate family who is sick or disabled, in either case for a period of time not to exceed twelve (12) months per each occurrence;
  3. Unemployment for a period of time not to exceed twenty-four (24) months during which the Teaching Fellow is conscientiously seeking and unable to obtain employment;
  4. Full-time enrollment at any accredited postsecondary institution located within the United States for a period of time not to exceed twenty-four (24) months;
  5. A member of the National Guard or a reserve component who is ordered to report for military service as that term is defined in 50 § U.S.C. 3911(2);
  6. Residing in or employed in an area that is a disaster area as that term is defined in 42 U.S.C. § 5204(2); or
  7. Any other reason that the Authority finds is consistent with the purposes and goals of the Program for a period of time not to exceed twenty-four (24) months.

How do I apply for a deferment?

You must complete a Postponement/Deferment Form and return it to NCSEAA for approval. You are responsible for submitting your deferment request, along with the required documentation, before your account becomes past due. If your account is in a cash repayment status, you should continue to remit cash payments until your deferment request is approved.

Does interest accrue during an approved deferment period?

Yes. Interest, at the annual rate of 8% will continue to accrue during approved periods of deferment.

Can I apply for a student deferment if I am enrolled as less than a full-time student?

No. You must be enrolled as a full-time student in order to qualify for a student deferment.

What if my status changes before my approved deferment expires?

If your status changes prior to the expiration of an approved deferment, you must notify NCSEAA of the status change.

Whom should I contact if I have additional questions concerning deferment of my TFP-S?

Additional information is available in the TFP-S Program Rules or you may contact Repayment Services staff between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.