According to Business Insider, 22 private student loan lenders, including Discover, Navient, Navy Federal Credit Union and PNC, are now offering programs to offer deferments to borrowers who have lost income due to the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis.  Each lender on the list has different requirements and you must apply to qualify – nothing happens automatically.

Remember as well that most of these programs offer a two or three month forbearance but interest will continue to accrue.

This might also be a good time to evaluate the bankruptcy option to address private student loans as in many instances private student loans can be fully or partially discharged in bankruptcy.