Public Service Deferment

There are four types of Public Service Deferments; Military, Public Health Service, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, Peace Corps, and Volunteer.

Military Deferment

A Military Deferment may be obtained while you are serving on active duty as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. Members of the National Guard or Reserves are eligible when serving in a full-time active duty status for a minimum of one year or in cases of a national emergency. This deferment may be obtained for a maximum time limit of three years with the three years including any combination of service in the U.S. Armed Forces, U.S. Commissioned Corps of Public Health, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps.

Public Health Service Deferment

A Public Health Service Deferment is available while you are serving as a full-time officer in the Commissioned Corps of Public Health of the United States Public Health Service. This deferment may be obtained for a maximum time limit of three years, with the three years including any combination of service in the U.S. Armed Forces, U.S. Commissioned Corps of Public Health, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps.

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Deferment

An National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Deferment is available while you are serving on active duty in the NOAA. This deferment may be obtained for a maximum time limit of three years, with the three years including any combination of service in the U.S. Armed Forces, U.S. Commissioned Corps of Public Health, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps.

Peace Corps Deferment

A Peace Corps Deferment is available while you are serving as a volunteer under the Peace Corps Act or in an ACTION program. This deferment can be obtained for a maximum time limit of three years.

Volunteer Deferment

A Tax Exempt Organization Volunteer Deferment may be obtained for a period of time during which you are serving as a volunteer for a tax-exempt organization that the U.S. Department of Education has determined to be comparable to the service as a Peace Corps or ACTION program volunteer. This deferment may be obtained for a maximum of three years.

To read specific information about this deferment and download the form for it, click here.

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