Loan forgiveness programs can relieve borrowers from the obligation to repay part or all of their federal student loans. These programs are often based on the borrower’s job or employment sector. Here are some of the key federal loan forgiveness programs:
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): This program forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after the borrower has made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer (like government organizations, non-profits, etc.).
- Teacher Loan Forgiveness: Teachers who work full-time for five complete and consecutive academic years in a low-income school or educational service agency may be eligible for forgiveness of up to $17,500 on their Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans.
- Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Plan Forgiveness: Under these plans (like Income-Based Repayment, Pay As You Earn, Revised Pay As You Earn, and Income-Contingent Repayment), the remaining loan balance may be forgiven if your federal student loans aren’t fully repaid at the end of the repayment period, which typically spans 20-25 years.
- Military Service: Members of the U.S. Armed Forces may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the National Defense Student Loan Discharge program, or other military-specific programs based on their service.
- AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and Other Volunteer Organization Service: Participation in programs like AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps can qualify for partial loan forgiveness.
- Perkins Loan Cancellation and Discharge: This program applies to individuals with federal Perkins Loans who perform certain types of public service or are employed in certain occupations. A percentage of the loan may be forgiven for each year of service.
- Loan Forgiveness for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals: Programs like the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program and others offered by the National Health Service Corps provide loan forgiveness to nurses, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals working in underserved areas.
- State-Sponsored Loan Forgiveness Programs: Many states offer loan forgiveness programs to professionals in fields like healthcare, teaching, and legal services who work in underserved or high-need areas.
- Loan Discharge in Special Circumstances: In certain situations, such as a total and permanent disability or the closure of the school where you received your loans, federal student loans can be discharged.
To benefit from these programs, it’s crucial to meet all requirements, such as working in a specific profession, making a certain number of payments, or working for qualifying employers. It’s also important to note that loan forgiveness programs can have tax implications, and forgiven amounts might be considered taxable income, though this can vary based on the specific program and current tax laws. Always check the most current requirements and details directly from the official sources or a financial advisor.