Defer or have your BAföG repayment waived
Deferral or waiver of the BAföG repayment obligation with the Federal Administrative Office in cases of financial hardship.
How to proceed
- 1
Submit an application to the Federal Administrative Office
Along with current proof of income and an explanation of the emergency situation.
- 2
Means Test
The Federal Administrative Office assesses income and personal circumstances.
- 3
Grant a deferral or waiver
Exemption for up to 2 years or partial waiver is possible.
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
Fees
Varies by case
Processing time
approx. 1 months
Official: max. approx. 1 months
Online application
In person or by post
Common mistakes
- • Application filed after the repayment due date
- • Proof of income is missing
Common reasons for rejection
- • Income exceeds the exemption threshold
- • Reason for deferral not proven
You can usually file an objection against a rejection.
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Former BAföG recipients who are temporarily unable to make their loan payments.
Income limit
The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 1 months
Success rate
approx. 72.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Application filed after the repayment due date
- •Proof of income is missing
Common reasons for rejection
- •Income exceeds the exemption threshold
- •Reason for deferral not proven
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.