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Student Debt Relief and Loan Forgiveness
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ALERT! The Biden Administration’s Student Debt Cancellation Plan Is Blocked. Courts have issued orders blocking the U.S. Department of Education (ED) student debt relief program. As a result, at this time, ED is not accepting applications. ED is seeking to overturn those orders. If you've already applied, ED will hold your application. Subscribe to their email list for the latest updates. Learn more about the Debt Relief Plan. |
Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, federal student loan payments are automatically suspended, without interest or penalties, until no later than June 30, 2023. Read Important Information for Student Loan Holders: Automatic Payment Suspension and Other Relief During COVID-19.
If you are a federal student loan holder in default, Fresh Start can help. Run by the U.S. Department of Education (ED), Fresh Start allows borrowers to get out of default and to keep automatic benefits, such as access to federal student aid, long-term. If you do not use Fresh Start, benefits end one year after the COVID-19 automatic payment suspension ends. Visit studentaid.gov to learn more and to enroll.
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. Please review Important Notice for Employees with Student Loan Debt to see if you may be eligible for programs and how to apply.
- Learn more about Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
- Learn more about other federal student loan cancellation programs.
- Learn more about State loan cancellation programs.
Were you a Berkeley College student prior to January 1, 2019 and owed tuition or fees to Berkeley? Learn about DCWP's settlement with Berkeley including $20 million in debt relief.
How to Avoid Student Loan Debt Distress
Read tips before enrolling in a school or training program
Read tips before taking out student loans for yourself or a child
Read tips once you have student loans
Advocacy Work to Help Student Loan Borrowers
Additional Help
Make a plan to manage your debt. Get free in-person help
Learn about other resources for student loans