US Department of Education
Special Programs

In response to COVID-19, the Federal Government and the U.S. Department of Education put in place special programs and/or enhancements for borrowers who have federally-owned student loans, such as Federal Direct Loans or federally-owned FFELP Loans.   There are important changes to these special programs that you need to be aware of. Please read below:

 

COVID-19 Payment Suspension

Since March 13, 2020, Government-owned loans (Direct Loans) have had the benefit of a payment pause, meaning no payments have been due.  Further, during this payment pause, interest on the loans has not been accruing.

The COVID-19 Payment suspension is coming to an end.  Effective September 1, 2023, interest will begin to accrue on all Government-owned Loans.   Further, payments will begin coming due on October 1, 2023.

For more specific information, and what resumption of payments means to you, visit studentaid.gov.   It is also important to ensure that you know who your student loan servicer is and that your contact information with your servicer is updated so that you receive all relevant communications related to resumption.

 

Federal Student Loan Forgiveness

On Aug. 24, 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a Student Debt Relief Plan that includes one-time student loan debt relief (forgiveness) targeted to low- and middle-income families.

This Plan was challenged in court and has been on hold pending a decision.  On June 30, 2023, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the Student Debt Relief Plan cannot move forward.  This means that forgiveness under the Student Debt Relief Plan will not occur and is no longer an option for borrowers.

This is an evolving issue.  For more information, and to stay updated on the Department of Education’s response to the decision, visit https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief-announcement/one-time-cancellation