A deferment is a postponement of a payment to a later date without causing the loan to be considered late or in default. Deferments are used where it appears that it will assist the borrower in solving a temporary cash-flow problem. The SBA may approve up to six months (cumulative) of payment deferment or 20 percent of the original amount of the loan whichever is less. The borrower must reasonably project that it will bring current the deferred amount within five years after the deferment period.