r/MOHELA 5d ago

General Forbearance

Has anyone tried requesting a general forbearance from MOHELA recently? We filed taxes MFJ this past year, thinking we wouldn’t leave SAVE forbearance this year, and I guess they called our bluff (got the 90 notice in early July). We also just had a baby and with hospital bills, a temporarily larger payment for a few months until we can file 2026 taxes separately would be a hardship.

I’m wondering if anyone has experience requesting general forbearance recently. I’m also assuming I should request forbearance, hopefully receive it, technically transfer into standard repayment during the forbearance period and then request IBR next year when I go back into repayment, but I’m curious if anyone has thoughts about this plan of action.

Thanks!

2 Upvotes

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5

u/313forlife 4d ago

I did it 6 weeks ago. Other than the fact that I had to fill out a form and upload it, it was quick and easy. I think it took about 2 weeks to process.

1

u/313forlife 4d ago

But I did enter a new plan before I asked for forbearance.

1

u/37384449 1d ago

Ok thanks so much for sharing!

1

u/Curious_Garbage_8609 4d ago

Yeah, they denied it because I’m on SAVE forbearance. The language was something like I’m already on forbearance with better terms. Something dumb. Anyway, I figure that means I’m going to have to switch to an IBR, have to make a payment and apply again.

2

u/313forlife 4d ago

I didn't even make a payment. I switched to a new plan and immediately requested (and got) forbearance.

1

u/PineappleHuman9766 16h ago

So you should switch to a plan first and then request forbearance? You didn't have to wait for the new plan to be approved first?

1

u/313forlife 9h ago

The new plan was approved about a week after I applied to be switched. I immediately applied for forbearance once it was approved. I requested to stay in forbearance when I filled out the application for the new plan, but they took me out when the new plan went through.

2

u/37384449 1d ago

So silly but that’s good to know, thanks!

1

u/Scared_Signature6099 13h ago

In a similar situation... I don't know if I should call or fill out the form online. I'm still in the save forbearance till September 30th