Can I delay processing of my consolidation application?

Yes, you can delay the processing of your Direct Consolidation Loan until closer to the end of your grace period end date if any of the loans you want to consolidate are in a grace period.

Normally, when you consolidate your existing loan(s) into a new Direct Consolidation Loan, you will be required to start repayment of your new loan immediately. However, if any loan you want to consolidate is still in a grace period, you can delay entering repayment on your new Direct Consolidation Loan until closer to your grace period end date by entering your expected grace period end date (month and year) in the space provided on the application. We will start processing your application about 45 days before the expected grace period end date that you provide. If you leave the expected grace period end date blank on your consolidation application, your Direct Consolidation Loan will enter repayment immediately.

You can select a date up to nine (9) months into the future. If your grace end date is more than 9 months away, wait to submit your application.