Student loan forgiveness refers to the cancellation of all or a portion of a borrower’s federal student loan debt. This can be done through various programs such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans, and Teacher Loan Forgiveness. To be eligible for loan forgiveness, borrowers must meet specific criteria and follow certain steps, such as working in a qualifying public service job or making on-time payments for a certain number of years. Loan forgiveness can provide relief for borrowers struggling to repay their loans and can help them achieve financial stability.
Student loan payments are set to restart in 2023. Here’s how borrowers should prepare
- Start budgeting for loan payments now: Borrowers should start preparing for their student loan payments by creating a budget that includes their monthly payments. This will help them understand how much they will need to set aside each month and plan their expenses accordingly.
- Consider refinancing or consolidating your loans: Borrowers may want to consider refinancing or consolidating their loans to potentially get a lower interest rate or simplify their payments. However, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of these options before making a decision.
- Look into income-driven repayment plans: Borrowers who are struggling to make their monthly payments may want to look into income-driven repayment plans. These plans base payments on the borrower’s income and can be a good option for those with low incomes or high levels of debt.
- Stay in touch with your loan servicer: Borrowers should stay in touch with their loan servicer to stay up-to-date on any changes or updates to their loans. This will also help them stay on track with their payments and avoid any penalties or fees.
- Don’t ignore your loans: Finally, borrowers should never ignore their student loans. Defaulting on a loan can have serious consequences, including damage to their credit score and wage garnishment. If they are struggling to make payments, they should reach out to their loan servicer for assistance.
Big Moment For Student Loan Forgiveness Is Just Around The Corner
The United States Department of Education is expected to make a big decision in the coming weeks regarding student loan forgiveness. President Biden has been under pressure to cancel some or all of the $1.7 trillion in federal student loan debt that Americans owe. The president has asked the Department of Education to review his legal authority to cancel student loan debt and to provide recommendations for how to proceed.
There are a number of proposals on the table, including forgiving up to $50,000 in student loan debt per borrower, which could potentially affect millions of Americans. Supporters argue that student loan debt is a major burden on borrowers, preventing them from buying homes, starting businesses, and saving for retirement.
Opponents, however, argue that forgiving student loan debt would be expensive and unfair to taxpayers who did not go to college or who already paid off their loans. There are also concerns that forgiving student loan debt could lead to increased tuition costs and decreased financial aid for future students.
Regardless of which proposal is chosen, a decision on student loan forgiveness is likely to have a major impact on millions of Americans and could help shape the future of higher education in the United States.