Voluntary or discretionary forbearance is granted to help the loan holder avoid defaulting on the loan by missing payments. This is granted at the discretion of Sallie Mae. Reasons for voluntary forbearance include illness or health concerns, personal financial problems or enrolling in a volunteer program.
Education loans with Sallie Mae may be eligible for excessive debt forbearance. If the monthly payments of all of the loan holder's loans is 20 percent or more of the loan holder's monthly income, Sallie Mae is required to grant this type of forbearance. Excessive debt forbearance may not exceed three years.
If you have loans with Sallie Mae, and are participating in a medical or dental internship or residency, you may be eligible for forbearance. Forbearance may be granted if your loans are not eligible for deferment or because you have already used available deferment on the loan.