Student Loans

Student Loans

Student Debt Relief and Loan Forgiveness 

ALERT! The Supreme Court Blocks The Biden Administration Student Debt Cancellation program.

On June 30, 2023, the Supreme Court rejected the student loan relief program announced last August 2022. Even if a borrower received a confirmation or acceptance to a submitted application, the borrower’s student loans are NOT eligible for student loan cancellation under this program. Other federal and New York State forgiveness programs, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness, remain in effect. Subscribe to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) email list for more updates.

 

The federal student loan payment pause ended because of legislation passed by Congress. Interest resumes on September 1, 2023 and payments are due in October. Borrowers can lower their payments, even to $0, by enrolling in the new SAVE Plan. Read Important Information for Student Loan Holders: Automatic Payment Suspension and Other Relief During COVID-19.

If you are a federal student loan holder in default, Fresh Start can help. Run by the U.S. Department of Education (ED), Fresh Start allows borrowers to get out of default and to keep automatic benefits, such as access to federal student aid, long-term. If you do not use Fresh Start, benefits end one year after the COVID-19 automatic payment suspension ends. Visit studentaid.gov to learn more and to enroll.

If you have ever worked for a government or 501c3 organization, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs. Depending on your profession, you may also qualify for state repayment assistance programs. Please review Important Notice for Employees with Student Loan Debt to see if you may be eligible for programs and how to apply.

Were you a Berkeley College student prior to January 1, 2019 and owed tuition or fees to Berkeley? Learn about DCWP's settlement with Berkeley including $20 million in debt relief.

How to Avoid Student Loan Debt Distress

Read tips before enrolling in a school or training program

Read tips before taking out student loans for yourself or a child

Read tips once you have student loans

Advocacy Work to Help Student Loan Borrowers

Read Research Reports

Read Testimony

Read In the News

Additional Help

Make a plan to manage your debt. Get free in-person help

Learn about other resources for student loans