How to get Student Loan Forgiveness
Student loans can be a huge burden on your life, but fortunately, there are some options, such as student loan forgiveness, that can help relieve some of that burden. Here are some tips on how to get your student loans forgiven:
Work in a Public Service Position
One option for getting your student loans forgiven is to work in a public service position for at least 10 years. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program was created to provide student loan forgiveness for individuals who work in a public service occupation. To qualify for the program, you must make 120 qualifying payments over 10 years in an eligible employment situation.
Apply for Income-Driven Repayment Plans
The government offers various income-driven repayment plans that can potentially reduce your monthly loan payments and help you qualify for student loan forgiveness. Depending on the type of loan you have, the amount forgiven might not be taxable. Eligibility is based on the type of loan you have, your income, and your family size.
Look into Other Programs
There are other programs in place to help provide student loan relief, including:
- Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program: eligible teachers can have up to $17,500 of their Direct Loans forgiven after five consecutive years of full-time teaching in an eligible school.
- Perkins Loan Cancellation: up to 100 percent of your Perkins Loans can be canceled if you teach at low-income schools, are employed in certain healthcare professions or are a volunteer for certain organizations.
- Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAPs): some colleges, universities, and organizations offer LRAPs to help pay off the loan debt of alumni and students.
Seek Out Repayment Assistance From Your Lender
It is also a good idea to contact your loan servicer or lender to discuss other repayment options that may be available to you. They may be able to suggest repayment plans or loan forgiveness programs that may be a good fit for your situation.
No matter what route you decide to take, it is important to do your research and understand the details of any loan forgiveness program so you can make the best decision for your financial future. With the right strategy, you can find relief from the burden of student loan debt.
