There have been dramatic changes in 2021 and 2022 making it easier for tens of millions of student loan borrowers to cancel or repay their debt. This article highlights twelve of the most significant changes. Additional information is found in NCLC’s Student Loan Law and at studentloanborrowerassistance.org.
But the changes do not stop here. Expect additional actions later this year. For example, the Department of Education (the Department) has proposed new rules affecting the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, interest capitalization, borrower defense, arbitration and class waivers, disability discharge, closed school discharge, and false certification discharge. See 87 Fed. Reg. 41,878 (July 13, 2022). If enacted in final form by November 1, 2022, the new rules will become effective on July 1, 2023, and some may be implemented sooner. Additionally, President Biden announced the outlines of a proposed new income-driven repayment plan on August 24, 2022, and the full text of the proposed regulations is expected any day now.