Paying off student loans can be a daunting task, particularly when finances are tight. However, avoiding these payments can lead to even more significant financial and legal troubles. As the relief from federal loan payments is set to end in October 2023, it’s crucial to understand the implications of not meeting your loan obligations.
Federal Student Loans: A Ticking Time Bomb
Federal student loans have been in emergency forbearance since March 2020, with payments resuming in October 2023 and interest accruing from September 1, 2023. If you miss these payments:
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Delinquency: Your loans enter delinquency after a missed payment. A 30-day delay results in a late fee of up to 6% of the due amount. After 90 days, the loan is reported as delinquent to credit bureaus. A 270-day delay leads to default.
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Default Consequences: Once in default, the entire loan balance, including accrued interest, becomes due immediately. This is termed loan acceleration. In some instances, a collections agency might settle for a lesser amount. Defaulting also means losing eligibility for Federal Student Aid benefits, including deferment, income-driven repayment plans, and additional financial aid.
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Government Actions: The government can garnish up to 15% of your wages and seize tax refunds and Social Security benefits. Legal action is also a possibility, and if you lose, you’ll be responsible for the debt, legal fees, court costs, and interest.
Discharging federal student loans through bankruptcy is challenging. You must prove that repaying would cause undue hardship, making it impossible to maintain a minimal standard of living.
Private Student Loans: Limited but Still Severe Consequences
Private student loans, while not as stringent as federal loans, still have severe repercussions:
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Delinquency and Default: Loans are typically considered delinquent the day after a missed payment and default after two to three months.
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Consequences: Late fees are charged, which could be flat or percentage-based. The debt might be sold to collections, damaging your credit score for up to seven years. Lenders can also sue, and if they win, they might garnish your wages.
However, private loans can sometimes be discharged through standard bankruptcy proceedings. They also have a statute of limitations, ranging from three to ten years, after which the collections agency can’t legally recover the debt.
A Ray of Hope: The Fresh Start Program
The Department of Education’s Fresh Start program offers a lifeline to borrowers in default. By enrolling, your loans return to good standing. This program, available for a year after the payment pause ends, allows you to sign up for new repayment plans and regain access to federal forgiveness programs and benefits.
Navigating the Rough Waters
If you’re struggling with student loan payments:
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Contact Your Loan Servicer: They can provide options, especially for private loans.
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Income-Driven Repayment: Plans like Income-Based Repayment adjust payments based on your income, with potential forgiveness after 20 or 25 years.
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Deferment or Forbearance: These options can postpone payments during financial hardships or further education, though interest might still accrue.
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Loan Forgiveness: Depending on your profession, you might qualify for partial or full loan forgiveness.
For those already in default, the Fresh Start program, federal loan rehabilitation, and consolidation are potential solutions.
In conclusion, while student loans can be overwhelming, there are always options available. Proactively addressing the situation can help borrowers navigate their financial journey more effectively.
Theodore Lee is the editor of Caveman Circus. He strives for self-improvement in all areas of his life, except his candy consumption, where he remains a champion gummy worm enthusiast. When not writing about mindfulness or living in integrity, you can find him hiding giant bags of sour patch kids under the bed.