Student loan debt relief expanded - The Tennessee Tribune

By Ivan Sanchez

WASHINGTON, DC — Minorities in the U.S. disproportionately bear the impact of student loan debt, facing burdens and limited financial mobility compared to their white counterparts. Structural inequities in education and employment contribute to these disparities, hindering wealth accumulation and perpetuating the racial wealth gap. Barriers to affordable higher education further exacerbate the problem, requiring comprehensive solutions to address both student loan policies and broader systemic issues affecting minority communities.

Recognizing the substantial burden of high student loan debt in the United States, the Biden-Harris Administration is working to address systemic issues. Recently announced student loan relief includes $1.7 billion for 29,700 borrowers through administrative adjustments to income drive repayments (IDR) payment counts, aimed at rectifying concerns related to forbearance misuse by loan servicers. The administration has now approved $45.7 billion in IDR relief for 930,500 borrowers.

An additional $3.2 billion in relief is allocated for 43,900 borrowers through Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PLSF) encompassing those benefiting from the administration’s limited PSLF waiver and regulatory improvements. The total PSLF relief now stands at $56.7 billion for 793,400 borrowers since October 2021. Before recent interventions, only about 7,000 borrowers had received forgiveness under PSLF.

It’s crucial to note that current bankruptcy laws in the United States prohibit the discharge of student loan debt, intensifying challenges for borrowers. Despite this restriction, the Department of Education emphasizes its commitment to providing debt relief to various sectors, including teachers, social workers, and public servants, recognizing their invaluable service. Additionally, relief is extended to those qualifying for income-driven repayment forgiveness due to more accurate payment accounting.

The administration is expediting further relief through the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan, benefiting borrowers who initially borrowed $12,000 or less for college. This initiative allows them to achieve forgiveness after as few as 10 years of payments, with automatic cancellation of debts starting next month for eligible SAVE enrollees.

Given the continuous steps taken to alleviate the student debt burden, and despite the US Supreme Court’s cancellation of broad student loan relief absent legislation from Congress, borrowers are encouraged to explore student loan relief through StudentAid.gov/save.