Based on experience....
If you know who your loan servicers are (i.e. Sallie Mae, Ford Direct Loans, etc.) go to their websites. Most of the servicers have in-depth sites that will walk you through the options of deferrments, forbearances, hardships, disability, etc. They should also have the appropriate forms available for download, if not at least phone numbers to contact them.
Only word of advice...Use certified mail or fax w/receipts and keep all of your information together. I had one "lose" a deferrment form, but it was (reluctantly) retroactively effective because I had all the backup. It saved me a little bit of money (late fees, interest charges, etc.) making the extra certification worth it.
Best of luck!!
