The increasing costs of university or college fees force students to opt for student loans to continue their higher studies. However, sometimes it causes an outstanding student loan debt, which students find challenging to repay. To deal with the issue, politicians introduce student loan debt forgiveness to promote education in their countries.
Recently, US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris initiated the Biden-Harris Administration Student Debt Relief Plan. The applications will be open online soon, so here is everything you need to know about this program.
What is a student loan debt relief application?
According to the Federal Reserve, in December 2020, Americans owe $1.71 trillion in student loan debt. The number was $845 billion in December 2010, implying 102% growth in a decade of student loan debt. So, 17% of the US population depends on school loan debt to complete their studies. However, out of 17%, only 6% of the population pays student loans, and the rest fall under outstanding criteria.
Also, most students leave their education midway as they are unable to repay the loans. Therefore, the US government introduced the Student Debt Relief Plan to deal with this drawback and prevent students from opting out of their studies.
It will relieve students from loan debt, and they can receive up to $20,000 to repay. The White House states that 40 million students with outstanding loans will receive the relief. Also, it will ensure the cancellation of the balance of up to 20 million students.
The student loan debt relief applications will be available online soon, and students should prepare to register to avail of their benefits. The repayments will begin in January.
Eligibility:
Recently, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the applications for Student Loan Forgiveness would go live in October. To ensure that you qualified ideally for this relief, here are its eligibility criteria:
- The income of the concerned individual’s household should be between $120,000 to $250,000.
- The income less than that number is qualified as well. They may get eligible for Pell Grant, which releases relief payments up to $20,000.
- The public service workers of America, i.e., people working at government, federal, state, tribal, military, local, and non-profit organizations, are also eligible to apply for the cancellation of their debts. Public services workers must have devoted ten years to the service.
- The government announced that applicants submitting their application to the program by October 31 are more likely to qualify than the rest. It is a limited-period offer and allows debt relief flexibility.
So, avail this opportunity by registering for this limited-period offer and increasing your chances of selection.
Requirements:
Once applicants fulfill the eligibility criteria, they can proceed with the application. But, first, let’s look at all the requirements for the student loan debt relief application:
● Applicants can produce a parent PLUS loan. If the student’s parents satisfy the income criteria and have the parent’s PLUS loan, they might qualify for the debt relief program. It is not mandatory, but it enhances the selection opportunity.
● The Federal Student must produce graduate or undergraduate degrees if they have any.
● The income should be less than $125,000 or $250,000. No need to submit the income proof documents as the federal department will verify according to income tax filing.
Submit all these requirements at the time of application and check for the eligibility criteria. The student debt relief program will be conducted online with minimum documents. Also, its process is quick and easy.
Remember, if you have a private student loan, then you are not eligible for a student loan debt relief application.
How to apply for a one-time student loan debt relief application?
Applications for student loan debt relief will be available any day in October 2022. So, students must be ready and submit their applications once it goes live online.
Here’s the step-by-step process of how to apply for a one-time student loan debt relief application:
● Interested students must create an account at the ‘StudentAid.gov’ website and enter a valid email address and password.
● You will receive all the recent updates regarding the application in your email. So, be alert and check your email inbox regularly.
● Borrowers are not required to submit their FSA ID or attach any documentation on their applications.
● Enter your relevant details in the application state.
● Once you complete online applications, you will receive them in a paper format.
Federal-held applicants cannot submit documentation because the federal government possesses all their loan information. Furthermore, the department will verify the borrowers and parents according to the income data submitted in 2020 or 2021. As a result, around 8 million borrowers will be eligible for automatic loan relief as soon as they apply.
How to check the status?
All the student loan debt relief programs and their information will be available on the ‘StudentAid.gov’ website. In addition, it contains the US Department of Education’s database and information regarding FSA.
Students can check their loan payments, balances, and interest rates. In addition, the website also includes the loan servicer’s information and present loan status. So, you can track whether your loan is in repayment or outstanding. Applicants need to Log in with their accurate account details at the Student Aid Website and check for their application status.
Student loan debt relief status for students applying for Pell Grant:
● The department will verify your income information according to the tax returns you filed in 2020 and 2021. So, they should be below $125,000.
● Students seeking a Pell Grant must sign in to access their FAFSA account. Enter your correct FSA ID as well.
● Finally, you can view all the financial aid you have been granted in the Pell Grant. Also, it allows you to check the Student Aid Report.
The loan forgiveness is granted via Federal Student Aid or FAFSA to the eligible applicants. Conclusion:
During the announcement of the Student Loan Debt Relief program, US President Biden rightly commented that “Education is a ticket to a better life, but over time, that ticket has become too expensive…”
The program will benefit lakhs of students living under the burden of loans. Also, they will be encouraged to pursue further education and degrees without the tension of loan repayments. In some way, the government also solves the financial problems middle class and low-incomers face.
FAQs:
How can I get my student loan wholly forgiven?
The borrowers’ loans can now be forgiven via the Student Debt Relief Plan. Interested candidates must apply to the program if they meet the eligibility criteria and have their debts forgiven.
How do I know if I qualify for loan forgiveness?
You qualify for the loan forgiveness program if your household income is less than 125,000. Once selected, you will be granted at least $10,000 relief.
Which loans are eligible for student loan forgiveness?
Federal loans such as subsidized or unsubsidized loans, Parent PLUS loans, and graduate loans are eligible for student loan forgiveness.
Which student loans are not eligible for forgiveness?
If borrowers fail to convert their debt into direct loans which are granted from the FFEL and Perkin Loans, then they are not eligible for student loan forgiveness.
