Stafford-loan borrowers generally have a six-month grace period after they leave school, during which the borrower is not required to make payments. Toward the end of the grace period, the borrower and loan servicer establish repayment schedules and review alternative repayment plans. Financial-aid administrators should contact borrowers during the grace period to encourage them to begin repayment on time.

• Grace-period follow-up steps.
• Grace-period letters.
• Graduate letter.

If you have any feedback or would like to add your best practices to this manual, please contact the Debt-Management Team consultant for your state.