PEF beneficiaries around the world have expressed gratitude for this temporary adjustment.
“We are struggling to get enough money for our current necessities, like bills, food and mortgage,” said Jessica Pacete, who received her bachelor’s degree in mining engineering from Saint Paul University Suriago in the Philippines. “Indeed, I am so thankful and grateful for the COVID-19 deferment for six months. It is a great help for me to not think so much of my monthly commitment until November 2020.”
Marlou Ronato, who completed an accounting degree from the University of Luzon in the Philippines, has been unable to find employment to keep up with his PEF payments. “I am thankful that PEF offered COVID-19 deferment that was applied in my account,” he said. “I thank Heavenly Father for this opportunity that I can continue my studies with the help and consideration of PEF.”
PEF program manager Trent Jacobson says thousands of loan participants like Jessica and Marlou are receiving similar financial relief through this COVID-19 deferment program.
“This temporary PEF change will keep participants safe and help weather the economic storms upon many of us throughout the world,” he said.
Three additional temporary adjustments will aid PEF participants during the pandemic:
Late Payment Period Extended 90 Days
The limit on the number of days late a PEF participant can be to receive a new financial disbursement for school has been temporarily increased from 29 to 120 days.
Additional Options for Financial Disbursement Requests
When they are unable to safely procure requisite paperwork to make a disbursement request, participants can ask about other options to make a request. This may include other digital documentation.
More Paths to Obtain Leader Endorsements
Church leader endorsement forms are still required to obtain additional PEF loan disbursements. Because some local Church leaders may be unable to print out and sign the form at home, documents not signed by the participant can be temporarily accepted. If the bishop or branch president is unable to safely sign the form, he can send an email. In extreme cases, a counselor to a bishop may sign or send the endorsement.
The Church will reassess these changes in November 2020.
