Sallie Mae and Deferment

[impetigo]

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Hi, I've been reading tons of threads but haven't heard too many people talk about the deferment options after you consolidate with someone other than the fed gov't. This seems like an important issue since a lot of interest can acrue during three yrs of deferment.

Sallie Mae, for instance, has very little to say about deferment. From their website:

The following are deferment options under Loan Consolidation:

In School (full time or at least half time).
Graduate Fellowship.
Rehabilitation Training.
Unemployment.
Economic Hardship.
If your Consolidation loan qualifies for the interest rate subsidy, the federal government will pay the interest that accrues on your loan during the deferment period. We provide information on deferments, how to obtain this assistance, and how to download a deferment request form. Tip: You are entitled to a deferment as long as you qualify. All you have to do is submit the necessary paperwork to your lender or loan servicer. If you return to school and are seeking an in-school deferment, contact your lender or loan servicer right away. Failure to formally request an in-school deferment is a leading cause of student loan defaults.
In some instances, borrowers may sacrifice some deferment benefits if they consolidate. Your lender or loan servicer can help you review the impact of consolidation on your deferment benefits.

Regarding the last paragraph, does anyone who has consolidated with Sallie Mae know what instances can cause you to sacrifice deferment benefits? I'm thinking of going with Sallie Mae but not if it means I'll have a hard time getting a deferment for 3 yrs (which seems to be a problem with UHEAA and some other organizations).

 

[TommyGunn04]

I'd say you should call them. The folks at the SallieMae Concierge Center have been VERY helpful on the phone every time I've called.