Federal student loans, including Direct Consolidation Loans, offer borrower benefits such as deferment and forbearance. As long as you meet the criteria and have not used up all your time, you may be able to temporarily postpone payments on your loans. You may want to also consider income-driven repayment plans which will base your monthly payment on your income rather than your loan balance.
Some private student loan refinance lenders also offer periods of deferment. The terms, including qualifying circumstances and length of deferment, vary by lender. It is best to contact your refinance lender directly for information on any deferment benefits they may offer.