Student Loan Help

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Attention: Federal Parent PLUS Loan Borrowers. Take action ASAP to lock in loan benefits such as access to generous income-driven repayment (IDR) plans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Consolidation applications take at least 8 weeks to process and must be fully completed by July 1, 2026. Get free, confidential, personalized guidance from NYC Financial Empowerment Centers below.

Student Debt Relief That’s Not a Scam

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The City of New York offers 2 ways you can get free, confidential, personalized guidance to lower student loan payments.

No strings attached. No surprise charges later. We keep your information safe and will never sell it.





1. Online

Through our partnership with Summer, an online platform, you can find free federal and state programs to reduce monthly student loan payments. Free resources include:  

  • Digital platform that will recommend the most affordable monthly repayment plan option,
  • Scan your application for over 120 loan assistance and forgiveness programs,
  • Real-time updates and expert support on fast-moving student loan news and developments,
  • College planning tools for parents and guardians,
  • Services and assistance for residents in possible default and/or forbearance,
  • Services and assistance for residents with private student loans, and
  • Access to Summer’s team of trained experts for one-on-one counseling via multiple support channels (including email, in-app messaging, and text), available from 9 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday.

To be eligible, you must live in NYC or work for the City of New York.

Are you a resident of NYC? Learn more about free resources from Summer today!

Are you a City of New York employee? Access the NYC Summer portal for City employees!

2. In Person or By Phone

Through our NYC Financial Empowerment Centers, you can work with a financial counselor to manage your student loans along with your other expenses and debts.

To be eligible, you must be at least 18 and live or work in NYC. Income and immigration status do not matter.

Book an appointment with an NYC Financial Empowerment counselor.

Beware of Student Loan Scams

You NEVER have to pay for free federal and state programs, including loan forgiveness. If you are a victim of a scam, file a complaint online.

 

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Important Information Regarding the 2026-2027 FAFSA

The 2026-2027 FAFSA form opened on October 1, 2025, with new rules requiring students to complete identity verification to qualify for financial aid. This applies to first-time title IV applicants, immigrant students and those flagged for additional review. The new process aims to improve security and speed up access to financial aid. More updates can be found on the student aid FAFSA support website.

Important Information Regarding SAVE Plan

In March 2026, a federal court order ended the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan. The U.S. Department of Education has begun sending notices to borrowers indicating that they must switch to a new repayment plan. Starting July 1, 2026, federal loan servicers will begin issuing 90-day notices to borrowers currently enrolled in the SAVE Plan, instructing them to enter an available repayment plan. Borrowers must enroll in another income-driven repayment (IDR) plan to remain eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). For more updates, visit studentaid.gov.

Learn How to Avoid Student Loan Distress

Student Loan Forgiveness Programs

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. 

Advocacy Work to Help Student Loan Borrowers