Yes, most lending institutions understand that things happen in a borrower's life that may cause them to need to put a personal loan on hold. Whether you lose your job, have a death in the family, or a major medical emergency, some banks and lenders may have programs in place to provide you with temporary relief. For example, if you are simply in need of a few months of relief, some lenders may have short-term deferred payment plans. With a short-term deferment plan, you may be able to extend your loan term to allow you to stop making payments for a specified period of time. That period of time can vary from lender to lender; however, it may provide you the opportunity to catch up on some expenses and begin payments at a later date. You may or may not be charged interest during this period in exchange for the service, so it is best to consider this when consulting with a lender.