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Student Loan Payments Resume: Key Details

The temporary pause on student loan payments, which began in response to the economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to come to an end.

Common Questions 2023

Will student loan payments actually resume?

One of the most pressing questions on the minds of many borrowers is whether student loan payments will indeed resume. The answer is yes. The temporary pause on student loan payments, which began in response to the economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to come to an end. Starting next month, borrowers will once again be required to make their regular monthly payments on their student loans.

The resumption of payments comes after extensive discussions and policy changes at the federal level. The decision to resume payments is a significant step toward returning to the pre-pandemic state of affairs. However, the change has left many borrowers anxious about their financial situation.

Are student loans going to be forgiven?

For years, the issue of student loan forgiveness has been debated and discussed. While President Joe Biden's idea to cancel up to $20,000 in student debt was vetoed by the U.S. There are still opportunities for loan forgiveness, especially for public employees, according to the Supreme Court.

One such program is the Student Loan Forgiveness initiative. This program aims to provide relief to borrowers, particularly those working in public service roles. While the program may not offer blanket forgiveness for all borrowers, it does expand forgiveness opportunities for specific groups of people.

Kim Miller of LSS Financial Counseling suggests that borrowers explore income-driven repayment plans as well. One such plan is the new "SAVE" plan, which could result in a monthly payment as low as $0 per month. Some borrowers are surprised when they discover their new monthly rate under this plan.

"They check with their loan servicer. They see when their payment is due, and they see that it's zero, and then they call us going, 'Is this right?' Yes — under the new income-driven payment plan, your payment is zero," Miller said.

The Importance of Considering Extra Payments

While income-driven repayment plans and forgiveness programs help many debtors, it’s important to recognize that making extra payments might be financially beneficial. This is emphasized by Bruce McClary, Senior Vice President of Media Relations and Membership at the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.

“It just makes sense: if you have extra money, pay down your debt,” McClary explained. “Don’t just pay the minimum; this applies to any type of debt, particularly credit card debt right now.”

 

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Temporary Protections for Borrowers

It's essential to be aware that some temporary protections are in place for borrowers as they transition back into making payments. Missing or having a late or partial payment won't be reported to credit reporting agencies through next September because of an "on-ramp" transition. However, it's important to note that interest will still accrue during that time.
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Seeking Guidance and Assistance

Navigating the complex landscape of student loan repayment can be challenging. If you need advice about student loan repayments, LSS Financial Counseling offers free consultations. Their services are available virtually nationwide, and in-person appointments can be made in Minnesota. It's essential to explore your options and make informed decisions about managing your student loan debt.
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McClary explained

McClary is concerned that the payback time may exacerbate some Americans' already precarious financial circumstances, citing the nation's record credit card debt. As a result, if you have the ability to contribute more to your student loans than your servicer needs, you should consider doing so.

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