Private student loans may or may not have a forbearance option, and the rules vary among lenders. Under forbearance you will eventually owe the new interest charges even if you’re not making payments. You have to apply to your loan servicer for forbearance, and you must continue to make payments until you've been notified your forbearance has been granted. The terms and fees associated with private student loan forbearance vary and may be less borrower-friendly terms than the federal forbearance option.

Contact your loan servicer as early as possible if you want to explore this option.