There are new changes to who is eligible for the new federal student loan forgiveness program. It comes as six states filed lawsuits to try and block the plan altogether.
The change impacts borrowers who used Perkins loans and Federal Family Education loans.
They’re part of a program that ended back in 2010 and are managed by private banks, but they still qualify for forgiveness if they were consolidated into a direct loan by Sept. 30. However, many were not consolidated; the Education Department said around 770,000 people will now be excluded from relief.
President Joe Biden said that federal student loan borrowers who meet income requirements would have up to $10,000 of their student loans forgiven. That amount increases to $20,000 for those who received Pell Grants in college.
But those who made payments who are eligible for forgiveness continued making payments during the pandemic-era moratorium on student loan bills can request a refund.
“They can request a refund of the payments that they made that weren’t required, and that’s been the case since the very beginning of the pandemic,” said student loan expert Mark Kantrowitz.
If you think you’re eligible, here’s how you can find out how to apply for student loan forgiveness.
By Scripps National.
About the Author
Scripps News delivers compelling, context-driven news, fact-based reporting and a deeper look at the "why" of each story with objective, impactful storytelling. Scripps News is available over-the-air 24/7 and on leading connected TV platforms. More.
