| Publication Date: May 2006 DCL ID: FP-06-06 Subject: Approval of FFEL Program Loan Deferment Forms Summary: This letter announces the approval of revised loan deferment forms for the Federal Family Education Loan FFEL) Program - Unemployment, Public Service, Parental Leave/Working Mother, PLUS Borrower with Dependent Student, In-School, Economic Hardship, Education Related, Temporary Total Disability and provides guidance on the implementation of these revised forms. Posted on 05-08-2006 Dear Colleague: The attachments to this letter contain revised OMB approved Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program's deferment forms for:
Implementation and Transition to New Forms The attached OMB-approved forms are available for immediate use. Program participants may begin distributing the revised form immediately. Beginning September 25, 2006, only these approved loan deferment forms may be provided to eligible borrowers. However, the previous versions of the forms may continue to be processed after that date. Imaging Technology Each enclosed deferment form requires the borrower to complete and sign the form in ink. This request is made to accommodate imaging technology, but a pencil signature does not invalidate a form. Requiring the borrower to complete and sign the deferment form in ink is consistent with the use of other common FFEL Program forms. In developing the forms, consideration was given to bar coding. Accordingly, space at the top, bottom, or sides of the forms may be used for this purpose. Printing Instructions The enclosed forms must be printed using black ink on white paper. The typeface, point size, and general presentation of the forms may not be changed. Program participants should pre-print their name and address and provide a contact number for borrowers to call in the boxes provided for that purpose in Section 8 on page 2 of each form. Obtaining Copies for Reproduction These forms are available in PDF format as attachments to this letter. In addition, the forms are available on the National Council of Higher Education Loan Programs (NCHELP) web site at www.nchelp.org. Guaranty agencies are responsible for ensuring that the forms they use are identical to the forms approved by the Secretary. No changes may be made to the forms except those expressly authorized above. Sincerely,
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