I am on a sudden leave of absence from school until June and have *a lot* of student loan debt (all federal loans). The standard 6-month deferment has been used. I do not have a job (yet) and am married. My spouse earns very well and we have filed all previous tax returns jointly, but I actually do not receive spousal support (which is why my student loan debt is so high).
How can I navigate the income-based repayment plans without my spouse's income being factored into my AGI? Is my only option forbearance? My exit counseling stated that eligibility for deferment included unemployment, is that true?
