The Biden administration recently announced approval of an additional $5 billion in federal student loan debt cancellation. This brings the total amount of relief provided under President Biden to over $132 billion for more than 3.6 million borrowers. While Biden’s broad student loan forgiveness program was struck down by the Supreme Court, his administration continues finding ways to deliver debt relief through existing federal programs.
Existing Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Programs
Rather than the blanket debt relief plan, recent cancellations have come through specific student loan forgiveness programs. These target certain categories of borrowers like:
- Public sector workers – The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program cancels any remaining debt after 10 years of payments for qualifying government and nonprofit employees.
- Long-term payers – The Income-Driven Repayment plans offer forgiveness once borrowers make 20-25 years of payments tied to income.
- Defrauded students – Borrowers defrauded by predatory for-profit colleges can get loan discharges.
- Permanently disabled – Total and permanent disability discharge forgives federal loans for eligible borrowers.
By granting relief through existing programs, the administration delivers on promises while avoiding legal issues.
Recounting Past Payments
Many borrowers now qualify for forgiveness thanks to a one-time account adjustment. This review aims to correct past administrative failures in tracking payments. Some borrowers entitled to debt discharge after 20 years of payments were not properly credited.
The recount announced in April 2022 has already provided relief for thousands. Additional batches will continue through 2023 as errors get fixed.
Federal Student Loan Payments Resume
In October 2022, federal student loan payments resumed after a pandemic pause of over three years. To ease the transition, the Biden administration launched a new income-driven repayment plan called SAVE with the lowest monthly payments.
The Education Department also instituted a 12-month safety net period. Borrowers struggling to pay are protected from consequences like credit reporting through September 2024.
Ongoing Challenges With Student Loan Servicers
The shift back to repayment has seen challenges from student loan servicers hired by the government. Issues like long call wait times, miscalculated bills, and delays have affected borrowers.
These administrative problems may continue into 2024. The Department of Education aims to improve services and accountability for federal loan servicers.
Developing New Student Loan Forgiveness Plan
After the Supreme Court rejected Biden’s broad debt relief initiative, the administration went back to the drawing board. Through negotiated rulemaking, the Department of Education is crafting a new student loan forgiveness plan.
While details are still being finalized, the proposed eligibility criteria include:
- 20 years of payments
- Loans with balances that increased over time
- Other categories still being defined
The new plan will likely face legal obstacles again when officially revealed. But the administration remains committed to providing relief through executive action.
Student Loan Forgiveness as a 2024 Campaign Issue
How to handle student debt forgiveness could become a hot topic in the next presidential election. As Democrats push for more cancellation, Republicans argue it’s unfair to taxpayers who didn’t attend college.
President Biden will tout his record on delivering historically high levels of student loan relief. Meanwhile, Donald Trump will say it was wrong to circumvent Congress with mass debt cancellation.
This policy debate highlights partisan views on student loan forgiveness. Voters want solutions to the $1.6 trillion crisis, but disagreement remains on the appropriate approach.
Key Points
The Biden administration has made historic strides in student loan relief, despite legal setbacks. Existing programs, corrections to past errors, lower payments, and new initiatives demonstrate a commitment to reform. While challenges remain, borrowers continue benefiting from an evolving federal student loan system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much student loan debt has Biden canceled?
Over $132 billion for more than 3.6 million borrowers so far.
What student loan forgiveness programs are being used?
Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Income-Driven Repayment, Borrower Defense, Total Permanent Disability Discharge.
Who qualifies for the new plan being developed?
Details are still being finalized, but may include those with 20 years of payments or increasing loan balances.
When will payments be lowered for SAVE plan borrowers?
Starting in July 2023, monthly bills for undergrad loans will be cut in half to 5% of discretionary income.
What problems have borrowers faced with repayment restarting?
Long waits, miscalculated bills, delays from student loan servicers.
How might debt cancellation impact the 2024 election?
Could be a dividing issue between Biden touting relief vs. Trump criticizing the policy.
