Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
The federal government’s limited waiver period for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program ended on Oct. 31. Countless educators applied before the deadline, so it may take some time to hear back about your application and loan forgiveness.
Between MEA and NEA, thousands of educators received help to get their student debt waived under the PSLF waiver – thank you to everyone who helped, and congrats to everyone who saw their balances eliminated or reduced through the program.
Biden-Harris Student Debt Relief Plan
The Biden administration recently announced a new student debt cancellation plan, on top of the PSLF program. However, the new student debt relief program has been blocked pending a court decision, and applications are not currently being accepted.
In the meantime, the Biden administration has extended the student loan payment pause, which was initially set to expire Dec. 31, 2022. The situation is fluid, so follow this link to get the latest information and to subscribe to updates from the U.S. Department of Education.
Other resources
NEA Student Debt Navigator — As an educator, you may be able to have part or all of your federal student loans forgiven. The NEA Student Debt Navigator, powered by Savi, can help you find and apply for money-saving programs.
NEA report: ‘Student Loan Debt Among Educators: A National Crisis’ — A report from the National Education Association shows the depth of the student debt crisis, including specifics about the impacts on educators of color, younger educators and even those who are approaching retirement. (July 2021)
Bridge Michigan: Student debt forgiveness deadline for educators fast approaching — Op-ed from MEA President Paula Herbart (October 2022)
MEA Voice article: ‘October Deadline Looms for Student Debt Forgiveness: “It feels like winning the lottery”’— Meet two MEA members who between them had more than $500,000 in student loans forgiven. (August 2022)
MEA Voice article: ‘BIG NEWS! Changes to Public Service Loan Forgiveness Announced’ — Hear from MEA members who had their student debt reduced or eliminated under new rules for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. (December 2021)
Detroit News Labor Voices column: ‘Address Michigan’s educator shortage by reducing student debt’ — Learn more about the student debt crisis facing educators in this op-ed from MEA President Paula Herbart. (September 2021)