Forbearance is a temporary pause or reduction of student loan payments granted by the lender. During forbearance, interest continues to accrue on all loan types, which may increase the overall cost of the loan. A general forbearance may be granted for no more than 12 months at a time, and students may be eligible for forbearance while experiencing financial hardship or unemployment. The lender may require valid proof of financial hardship and other financial information when the forbearance is requested.