by Ángel Rentería, SDCC Communications Associate On August 18, 2025, the Department of Education published its preliminary rule stating its proposed changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. This is in response to the most recent PSLF Negotiated Rulemaking (Neg Reg) session. Neg Reg is a consensus-based process that the federal government undergoes to change regulations that govern a federal department or office. Already know you want to submit a comment? Click here to jump to the instructions. What Does This Process Impact? The Department’s current goal is to make changes that will limit PSLF eligibility for employers such as non-profit organizations working with and on behalf of immigrant communities, and groups advancing transgender and LGBTQIA+ rights. There may even be attempts to limit PSLF access for employees of state and local governments and specific nonprofit organizations. This will impact millions of public service workers with student loan debt who work with marginalized communities and offer much-needed support starting July 1, 2026. These professionals often work for low pay while rendering countless services that leave a lasting impact on many folks’ lives, and removing access to PSLF leaves them in financial uncertainty as the promise of PSLF could now be stripped away. These are nurses, counselors, doctors, legal professionals, teachers, friends, neighbors, and family members who will no longer have their student loan debt forgiven after dedicating their careers to helping those in need. How to Submit a Comment These changes could go into effect on or after July 1, 2026. However, you can share a public comment to express your thoughts on these changes between now and September 17, 2025. Submitting a public comment is simple and can leave a lasting impression on the committee that oversees these rules. Follow these steps to submit your own public comment: PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS ENTIRELY BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR COMMENT Click here  to open the public comment portal and click on “Submit a Public Comment.” Begin writing your public comment under the “comment” section. Make sure to explicitly state whether you support or oppose the regulation changes. You can use the template at the bottom of this post. While writing, make sure to convey the impact these changes will have on you, your family, or your community. Answer the questions that follow the comment box. Click submit when you are finished. Every public comment must be read by the committee prior to the publication of the regulation, so let’s flood the Federal Register with our comments. Together, we can take a stand to protect PSLF eligibility for millions of public service workers across the country. Join us in advocating for continued PSLF eligibility for all public service workers, ensuring vital relief for the millions of Americans dedicated to the public sector. Template to Submit a Public Comment Feel free to copy and paste the following comment into the comment box. Please make sure to edit this template and fill out or edit all bolded/highlighted fields with your own text. My name is ______ and I work as a [INSERT OCCUPATION/JOB]  living in [CITY/STATE] , and I oppose the proposed changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. As a federal student loan borrower, I am incredibly concerned [include different descriptors here: outraged, disappointed, etc.]  by the Trump Administration’s proposal to deny PSLF access to workers who serve vulnerable communities like immigrants, people of color, and transgender youth. We urge the Department of Education to eliminate this proposed rule. [INSERT YOUR STORY ON WHY PROTECTING PSLF IS IMPORTANT TO YOU/ YOUR LOVED ONES/ ETC, OR WHY THE PROMISE OF PSLF INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE PUBLIC SERVICE WORK, ETC. ] The Department of Education’s proposed regulation is a gross misuse of power and an illegal attempt to deny PSLF to employers whose work does not align with the Trump Administration's agenda. If implemented, the regulation will cause harm to millions of borrowers who were promised student debt cancellation through PSLF, and who often made career choices based on this promise. The PSLF program was enacted by Congress almost 20 years ago as a way for public service workers to achieve student debt cancellation after working for ten years at a qualifying government agency, nonprofit, or entity. No exceptions. PSLF is a bipartisan program created by Congress, and it should not be up to the Department of Education to take it away from certain employers. This proposal is illegal and cruel. [INSERT ANY OTHER CONCERNS YOU HAVE.] I urge you to keep the promise that Congress made to Americans a nd eliminate thi s proposal immediately. Sincerely, [NAME] ### ABOUT Student Debt Crisis Center Student Debt Crisis Center is a national advocacy organization with 2,000,000 supporters calling for fundamental reforms to student loan policies and an end to the student debt crisis. Learn more here. Thumbnail Image Credit: Federal Student Loans by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Alpha Stock Images

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 3, 2025 Contact: Natalia Abrams Email: info@studentdebtcrisis.org Washington D.C.  – The Student Debt Crisis Center strongly opposes the harmful Budget Reconciliation Bill passed by Congress. This bill eliminates income-driven repayment programs, graduate plus loans, and borrower protections for 45 million Americans, ultimately pushing millions of student loan borrowers into default and severe financial consequences. “The student debt system is in the worst state we've seen since our organization began," said Natalia Abrams, SDCC President . "Congress should be protecting vulnerable Americans burdened by student loans, but instead, this dangerous bill abandons millions of borrowers, leaving them with few, often inaccessible repayment options and deepening their financial insecurity.” “As this bill prepares to cut taxes for billionaires, it will undoubtedly   jeopardize the economic well-being of nearly 45 million Americans burdened by student loan debt,” adds SDCC Executive Director Sabrina Calazans . “Cuts to existing programs and plans will cause monthly payments to increase significantly and create further chaos; this is a recipe for disaster and default, especially for low-income folks and working-class families who are already living paycheck to paycheck. Now more than ever, the $1.7 trillion student loan crisis must be addressed, and it must be done by prioritizing everyday Americans, not billionaires.” Since the start of the reconciliation process, SDCC supporters have sent over 77,000 letters to Congress members urging them to uphold their commitment to defending the best interests of Americans with student debt, students, and families. For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Natalia Abrams at info@studentdebtcrisis.org . ### ABOUT Student Debt Crisis Center Student Debt Crisis Center is a national advocacy organization with 2,000,000 supporters calling for fundamental reforms to student loan policies and an end to the student debt crisis. Learn more here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 01, 2025 Contact: Natalia Abrams natalia@studentdebtcrisis.org Washington D.C.  – The Student Debt Crisis Center (SDCC) strongly condemns the Senate's passage of the budget reconciliation package, which will remove vital student loan borrower protections, cut higher education funding, eliminate long-standing Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans, and more. This bill will have severe ramifications for millions of working and middle-class Americans with student loan debt, leaving them and their families in financial turmoil.  “This reconciliation bill will be catastrophic for millions of Americans by restricting access to higher education and exacerbating the student debt crisis for both federal and private student loans,” said SDCC President Natalia Abrams.  “While it is difficult to imagine how much worse the student debt crisis can become, this reconciliation bill does exactly that.” This reconciliation bill will actively harm Americans by: Capping federal student loan lending for all students. Eliminating Graduate Plus loans and limiting Parent Plus loans. Phasing out most Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans, including Income Contingent Repayment (ICR), Pay As You Earn (PAYE), and Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE), only leaving borrowers with a modified version of the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) plan. Creating a new plan called the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), the only income-driven repayment option for new borrowers moving forward. Slashing Federal Pell Grant amounts, a much-needed financial aid resource for low-income students. Gutting funding for STEM research and higher education institutions. These changes will result in a massive wave of defaulted student loans, leading to devastating financial consequences and a surge in private student loan lending. “Lawmakers have chosen to plunge their constituents into economic uncertainty by removing a majority of the remaining protections and programs that exist for Americans with student loan debt,” added SDCC Executive Director Sabrina Calazans . “If this bill is signed into law, students, borrowers, parents, and families will see a direct hit to their pocketbooks and, as a result, there could be a mass wave of defaults.” We call upon the leaders in Washington to acknowledge and tackle the student debt crisis on behalf of the 45 million Americans and families with student loan debt. There are currently 5 million Americans who have defaulted on their student loans, with an additional 2 million individuals projected to default in July; this is nearly a quarter of the federal student loan portfolio. Canceling student debt and addressing the cost of higher education is necessary and is in the best interest of everyone in this country. Now more than ever, we must stand together to ensure that everyone has the right to accessible, high-quality, and debt-free education. For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Natalia Abrams at natalia@studentdebtcrisis.org . ### ABOUT Student Debt Crisis Center Student Debt Crisis Center is a national advocacy organization with 2,000,000 supporters calling for fundamental reforms to student loan policies and an end to the student debt crisis. Learn more here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 9, 2025 Contact: Natalia Abrams Email: info@studentdebtcrisis.org Washington, DC  — Financial security and the economy are top-of-mind concerns for millions of Americans. From inflation to tariffs, many are worried about paying their bills and adjusting their budgets accordingly. Unfortunately, this is not so simple for Americans with student loan debt. The ongoing litigation and challenges against the SAVE Plan have left millions of student loan borrowers in limbo, fueling widespread concern about rising monthly payments and unclear next steps. A new report from the Student Debt Crisis Center (SDCC) reveals mounting challenges within the student loan system, including the ongoing impact of the Department of Education's downsizing, servicer inaction, and poor communication —issues that demand immediate attention and accountability. The report  follows a survey of 6,687 individuals detailing their recent experiences navigating the student loan system. Key survey findings include: Financial Insecurity Looming : Nearly 9 in 10 (87%) borrowers who are currently enrolled in the SAVE plan are worried their monthly payment will increase if the SAVE plan goes away Millions SAVE Money Monthly : Nearly 3 in 4 (74%) borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan saw a decrease in their monthly payment Affordability is Important : 71% of borrowers are enrolled in an Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan Protect Public Servants : 47% of borrowers are working towards Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Lack of Contact : 3 in 5 borrowers have NOT contacted their servicer since the start of the year “In a time of financial instability, rising inflation, and growing concerns over the cost of living crisis, borrowers now face an even greater fear: the possibility of their student loan payments doubling. This looming threat only adds to the anxiety already weighing on individuals as they try to navigate their financial futures , ” said Natalia Abrams, President & Founder of the Student Debt Crisis Center . Sabrina Calazans, Executive Director of SDCC, added, “This is an extremely unnerving time for so many individuals and families already struggling to make ends meet. With constantly changing guidance and threats to existing programs, borrowers are extremely hesitant to trust their servicer and the Department of Education. We need lawmakers to act quickly to protect and strengthen existing programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness and income-driven repayment plans which are financial lifelines that millions of Americans rely on.” After an effort by the previous administration to explain the existing programs and how millions of Americans can benefit from them, the more recent erratic changes to the system are creating a deep sense of fear and confusion among borrowers, leading to a massive distrust in servicers, the government, and the existing programs that they’re enrolled in. With a new negotiated rulemaking process set to begin, focused on income-driven repayment plans ICR and PAYE and a lengthy   SAVE forbearance, the programs that borrowers are familiar with, are now at risk of disappearing. Despite staying informed about repayment options and forgiveness programs, borrowers are stuck, unable to prepare for future changes. This situation is compounded by the Department of Education’s reduction in force, the removal and reappearance of IDR applications, and the failure of servicers to process them promptly and accurately. Borrowers report a lack of accountability, unhelpful communication, and rising frustration as tensions increase between them and their loan servicers. Many are giving up on seeking support entirely. The report calls for immediate action from policymakers, institutions, and loan servicers to ensure that borrowers receive accurate information, accessible resources, and the relief they are entitled to. Servicer accountability and transparency are critical to restoring trust and functionality in the student loan system. As the landscape of student loans continues to shift, SDCC urges all stakeholders to prioritize borrowers through consistent communication, systemic reform, and upholding their rights. We must work together to ensure that millions regain financial stability during an unstable economic period for millions of Americans. For more information, to schedule an interview, or to request additional data, please contact Natalia Abrams at info@studentdebtcrisis.org . ### ABOUT Student Debt Crisis Center Student Debt Crisis Center is a national advocacy organization with 2,000,000 supporters calling for fundamental reforms to student loan policies and an end to the student debt crisis. Learn more here.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 20, 2025 Contact: Natalia Abrams Email: info@studentdebtcrisis.org Washington D.C.  – The Student Debt Crisis Center (SDCC) strongly condemns President Trump’s executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education—this is an unprecedented attack on the rights of millions of families, students, and more than 45 million Americans with student debt. Eliminating the Department will throw student loan borrowers into financial disarray, strip away critical borrower protections, and leave loan servicers free to operate without oversight or accountability. Additionally, the reduction of the Department’s workforce has led to severe delays and will further undermine essential services for borrowers, leaving millions stranded without the support they desperately need. Natalia Abrams, SDCC President , stated, “President Trump’s relentless attack on the Department of Education represents a blatant assault on millions of Americans struggling under the weight of student loan debt. This dangerous move puts the future of borrowers at risk by dismantling the very agency tasked with holding loan servicers accountable. Without the Department of Education, borrowers will be left without recourse, vulnerable to exploitation, and cut off from any meaningful path to relief. This heartless executive order prioritizes the interests of politics and corporations over the lives of hardworking Americans. We will not stand idly by while borrowers are pushed further into financial ruin and uncertainty.”  “The purpose of the Department of Education is to serve all students and borrowers—not special interests, billionaires, or politicians looking to dismantle vital offices and protections,” said Sabrina Calazans, Executive Director at SDCC . “The elimination of the Department will harm borrowers seeking relief via essential programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness and income-driven repayment plans, leaving millions of families in further financial turmoil. Borrowers have already faced enough confusion and hardship. More chaos and less guidance is not the answer.” The Department of Education is the backbone of the federal student loan system, ensuring that borrowers receive accurate information, have access to relief programs, and are protected from industry abuse. Over the past four years, the Department has helped facilitate historic debt cancellation efforts, secured loan forgiveness for millions of public service workers, and introduced repayment plans that lower monthly payments for struggling families. Stripping away this vital agency will not only halt progress but also leave borrowers vulnerable to financial instability with nowhere to turn for assistance. We urge Congress to step up to commit to safeguarding the rights of millions of Americans who rely on federal student loan support. Borrowers deserve a government that works for them—not against them. We urge the public to contact their representatives and make their voices heard. The future of student debt relief, borrower protections, and accessible education is at stake, and we cannot afford to sit back while millions are thrown into financial chaos. This executive order will only further exacerbate the existing student debt crisis. For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Natalia Abrams at info@studentdebtcrisis.org . ### ABOUT Student Debt Crisis Center Student Debt Crisis Center is a national advocacy organization with 2,000,000 supporters calling for fundamental reforms to student loan policies and an end to the student debt crisis. Learn more here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 25, 2024 Natalia Abrams, Student Debt Crisis Center natalia@studentdebtcrisis.org Washington, DC  — The Student Debt Crisis Center (SDCC) acknowledges the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to supporting student loan borrowers during these challenging times. By issuing the hardship rules—an outcome of advocacy that led to an additional negotiation session—the administration is taking important steps to address the financial struggles many borrowers face. These proposed rules offer critical relief to nearly 8 million borrowers grappling with burdens like medical expenses, childcare costs, and income disruptions. The two pathways for relief—automatic relief for those at high risk of default and a holistic application process—reflect a thoughtful understanding of the diverse challenges borrowers encounter. As Natalia Abrams, SDCC President , stated, “ These proposed rules represent a crucial lifeline for millions who are burdened by student debt. By recognizing the reality of financial hardships, the administration is fostering a more equitable path to recovery and empowerment. This couldn’t have been done without the support of countless organizations and student loan borrowers stepping up to make their voices heard. ” These initiatives prioritize the economic stability and well-being of individuals and reinforce the principle that higher education should be a bridge to opportunity, not a barrier. While there may be challenges ahead, the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to support borrowers and reform the student loan system are a step in the right direction. Together, we can work toward a future where financial stability and hope are attainable for all student loan borrowers. The SDCC looks forward to continuing collaboration with the administration to drive meaningful change and support for those in need. For more information, to schedule an interview, or to request additional information, please contact Natalia Abrams at 310-365-1069 or natalia@studentdebtcrisis.org . ### ABOUT Student Debt Crisis Center Student Debt Crisis Center is a national advocacy organization with over 2,000,000 supporters calling for fundamental reforms to student loan policies and an end to the student debt crisis. Learn more here.

Borrowers Launch Letter Campaign to 18 Attorneys General Demanding They Stop Blocking Debt Relief, New Investigation Exposes Missouri AG’s Failure to Serve His Own Constituents FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 23, 2024 Natalia Abrams, Student Debt Crisis Center natalia@studentdebtcrisis.org October 23, 2024 | WASHINGTON, D.C.  — One day before a federal appeals court hears oral arguments  on the ongoing partisan legal challenge to the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan, borrowers and advocates launched a letter campaign  from borrowers to demand that attorneys general stop blocking much-needed debt relief. The effort was led by the AFT, Debt Collective (DC), Student Borrower Protection Center (SBPC), Student Debt Crisis Center (SDCC), We the 45 Million, and Young Invincibles. Through the letter campaign effort, borrowers are sending letters to the 18 attorneys general who have filed lawsuits against the Biden-Harris Administration warning about the costs and consequences of the partisan attorneys general lawsuits. The letter campaign is ongoing. In addition to the letter campaign effort, SBPC and DC released an investigative report  revealing that hundreds of borrowers from Missouri repeatedly contacted Missouri Attorney General (AG) Andrew Bailey, pleading for him to stop his effort to drive them deeper into debt. Missouri AG Bailey systematically ignored these pleas, instead prosecuting lawsuits against these borrowers’ financial interests in courtrooms across the country, including the case being heard before the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals tomorrow. A copy of the report, MO Borrowers, MO Problems: How How One MAGA Attorney General Tried to Break the Student Loan System and Drive His Own Constituents Deeper Into Debt,  is available here :   https://protectborrowers.org/mo-borrowers-mo-problems/   Advocates also gathered powerful borrower stories about the importance of debt relief and how these lawsuits have harmed borrowers. See a quote sheet of borrower stories here . From the stories: “I will never understand how Attorneys General like Andrew Bailey and other partisan AGs can use their elected positions of power to actively hurt student loan borrowers like me. Student loan borrowers are Americans. We are servicemembers and veterans. We are taxpayers and we are constituents. It is long past time that these partisan AGs stop their attacks on working families like mine,” said Alicia Barnes, a borrower who has been harmed by the SAVE litigation. Background The SAVE plan is the newest payment plan created by the Biden-Harris Administration to help make millions of borrowers’ monthly payments more affordable and provide a shorter timeline for cancellation. It sets borrowers’ monthly payments based on their income, resulting in low or even $0 payments for low-income borrowers. Of the over 8 million borrowers who have enrolled, 4.6 million have a $0 monthly payment.  However, this past spring, a cadre of 18 states filed two separate lawsuits over the legality of the SAVE plan. The 18 states include KS, AL, AK, ID, IA, LA, MT, NE, SC, TX, UT, MO, AR, FL, GA, ND, OH, and OK . Since the lawsuit was filed, borrowers on the SAVE plan have been placed into a non-interest bearing forbearance that does not count toward cancellation under Public Service Loan Forgiveness or Income-Driven Repayment. For several months, borrowers were unable to access online applications for consolidation and Income-Driven Repayment. Because of the chaos caused by these cases, borrowers have limited options for repayment at this time. Quotes from SDCC borrowers: “I am a senior citizen. Due to the SAVE program, it was cut in half of what it had been. That has provided much relief financially and mentally. However, if my payments go back up again, I will be under a tremendous amount of stress once again. I have a fear that I will die with this debt. While I will never regret getting my education, I wish I had known more about student loans. In order for me to get both my degrees, I had to use student loans as tuition was being raised significantly every year, then every semester. I have the fear I will not be able to retire and need to work for the remainder of my life.” - Karen, Nebraska “I have been mostly unable to have good credit because of student loan debt. I have paid lots of money towards student loans only to see no reduction in the principle amount but rather an increase. My life has been put on hold and any long term plans for the future have been put on hold because I can’t afford to do things like buy a house or start a family because student loans are never going away. And repayment seems futile.” - Joseph, Oklahoma Link to Quote sheet here For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Natalia Abrams at natalia@studentdebtcrisis.org . ### ABOUT Student Debt Crisis Center Student Debt Crisis Center is a national advocacy organization with over 2,000,000 supporters calling for fundamental reforms to student loan policies and an end to the student debt crisis. Learn more here.

Susan, Kansas “I am a senior citizen. My payment was due on 8/2/2024. Due to the SAVE program, it was cut in half of what it had been. That has provided much relief financially and mentally. However, if my payments go back up again, I will be under a tremendous amount of stress once again. I have a fear that I will die with this debt. While I will never regret getting my education, I wish I had known more about student loans. In order for me to get both my degrees, I had to use student loans as tuition was being raised significantly every year, then every semester. I have the fear I will not be able to retire and need to work for the remainder of my life.” Kathleen, Alaska “I first took on Federal loans to begin my career in mental health counseling. It took me several years but I graduated in 2019 with my graduate degree. I have always worked for an agency that qualifies for PSLF. I’m a veteran also. It has been very challenging with the economy and cost of living to have a substantial loan payment. The IDR SAVE plan helped to make my payments affordable. Without them, I may not be able to afford my mortgage or other necessities. I’m concerned that the payments I have made have not fully been applied towards my PSLF. And with interest continually accruing, I am worried I could be in a position of not being able to afford my loan payments and having my financial situation be in serious risk.” Tamara, Iowa “I am not able to make enough income to afford my student loan payments, which are nearly $1000 a month. I feel completely defeated and hopeless.” Heather, Nebraska “I was so grateful to have the (small) remainder of my student loans forgiven. I had paid into them for more than 15 years and had passed paying off the original amount of the loan. I was able to apply to the PSLF when the rules were temporarily changed to accept all payments as I wasn't able to do the income repayment for much of my repayment history. It allowed me to stop renting out my basement and brought me a ton of financial stability as a single parent. I don't begrudge my student loans, they got me where I am now, but the interest rate over time is crazy. How are we expecting teenagers to make these sorts of decisions that will impact their futures when they have no clue what that actually looks like? It's crazy.” Joseph, Oklahoma “I have been mostly unable to have good credit because of student loan debt. I have paid lots of money towards student loans only to see no reduction in the principle amount but rather an increase. My life has been put on hold and any long term plans for the future have been put on hold because I can’t afford to do things like buy a house or start a family because student loans are never going away. And repayment seems futile.” Sharryn, Oklahoma “My loans felt like another mortgage on my credit. The SAVE and RePAYE programs helped me to be able to afford my payments, but it was insane to me that my budget never lowered. Now that they were forgiven, my credit score has improved drastically and I was able to buy a newer car to get myself back and forth to work. I can afford to give my kids experiences that I only dreamed of at their ages.” Diana, Texas “Student loans are an absolute nightmare. We are supposed to be the leaders of global economics, education, politics, and beyond yet we failed to even provide our own citizens with adequate schooling and funding. The recent debacle with the SAVE Plan is absolutely heartbreaking as it was finally a way to consolidate my loans and release me from the burden of the never-ending compounding interest. Our Educational system has become beyond predatory and something needs to change. There are not enough options for student debt, cancellation, consolidation, decreasing interest rates, and beyond. Having this debt hanging over my head is really heavy, I just wanted to go to school and get an education and integrative medicine so I could help people heal and now I will spend the next many years hoping I can eventually pay off these loans. It has impacted my confidence, my ability to buy a home, and my ability to live in the essence of American freedom.” For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Natalia Abrams at natalia@studentdebtcrisis.org . ### ABOUT Student Debt Crisis Center Student Debt Crisis Center is a national advocacy organization with over 2,000,000 supporters calling for fundamental reforms to student loan policies and an end to the student debt crisis. Learn more here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 17, 2024 Natalia Abrams, Student Debt Crisis Center natalia@studentdebtcrisis.org The Student Debt Crisis Center (SDCC) celebrates the historic progress in student debt cancellation for over one million public service workers, a significant achievement made possible by the Biden-Harris Administration. This milestone highlights the dedication and hard work of advocates who have tirelessly fought for equitable access to education and relief from overwhelming student debt. “The recent announcement of $4.7 billion in student debt cancellation is a monumental step forward for public service workers who have long awaited the relief they were promised. Over one million individuals are finally receiving the support they deserve after dedicating their careers to serving our communities. However, we need to continue fighting for those still stuck on the SAVE forbearance and for everyone else striving to achieve PSLF forgiveness. This progress reminds us that we must continue to advocate for equitable access to education for all.” — Natalia Abrams, President, SDCC “Today’s news is a powerful reminder that higher education should lead to opportunity, not debt. The Biden-Harris Administration has made historic strides in canceling student debt, lifting the burden for thousands of public service workers. We are witnessing the impact of this change in real lives—more money in the pockets of those who dedicate themselves to helping others. Our work is far from done. Together, we will keep championing the cause for accessible and affordable education and financial relief for all.” — Sabrina Calazans, Managing Director, SDCC By standing united, the SDCC believes that advocates should continue to push for reforms that make higher education a true pathway to opportunity for all, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of financial freedom and stability. Together, we are committed to creating a future where education serves as a bridge to success rather than a burden of debt. For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Natalia Abrams at natalia@studentdebtcrisis.org . ### ABOUT Student Debt Crisis Center Student Debt Crisis Center is a national advocacy organization with over 2,000,000 supporters calling for fundamental reforms to student loan policies and an end to the student debt crisis. Learn more here.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 9, 2024 Natalia Abrams, Student Debt Crisis Center natalia@studentdebtcrisis.org Washington, DC  — As of October 2024, the restart of student loan payments has left millions of student loan borrowers grappling with financial uncertainty.   A new report from the Student Debt Crisis Center (SDCC) highlights significant challenges faced by borrowers, revealing alarming statistics that underscore the need for improved communication and support from student loan servicers. The report, A System in Disarray , follows a survey of 11,756 individuals detailing their experience with repayment since payments restarted in October 2023. Key survey findings include: Public Perception:  60% of borrowers believe the Biden Administration is pursuing legal pathways to debt cancellation; this is compared to 48% of borrowers last year. Consolidation Efforts : Nearly half (46%) of borrowers have consolidated their loans to qualify for an Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan. Lack of Awareness : A striking 60% of borrowers with defaulted loans are unaware of the now-expired Fresh Start initiative, a temporary program designed to bring defaulted loans back into good standing. Unresponsive Servicers : Over half (55%) of borrowers who reached out to their loan servicers received no response, adding to their frustration and confusion. Trust Issues : More than three-quarters (75%) of borrowers feel they cannot rely on their loan servicers for accurate information, highlighting a critical gap in communication and support. Despite the efforts made by borrowers to navigate their student loan obligations, many are feeling overwhelmed and unsupported as all pandemic relief measures have come to an end. The survey underscores a systemic issue where essential information and assistance are not reaching those who need it most. “Borrowers have done everything they can to prepare for repayment, yet the lack of reliable communication from servicers leaves them in a challenging position,” said Natalia Abrams, President and Founder of the Student Debt Crisis Center . “As payments restart, it’s crucial that we improve communication and support, empowering borrowers to navigate this daunting landscape and make informed decisions about their financial futures.” Sabrina Calazans, Managing Director of SDCC, added, “These statistics are a wake-up call. Borrowers deserve access to reliable information and support, especially as they navigate the complexities of repayment. We must do better to help the millions of Americans saddled with student debt.” The findings reflect a broader concern that, as borrowers attempt to restart payments, they are met with uncertainty and inadequate support. This situation is compounded by high costs of living, medical bills, and basic goods, making financial stability increasingly elusive. The report calls for immediate action from policymakers, institutions, and loan servicers to ensure that borrowers receive accurate information, accessible resources, and the relief they are entitled to. Servicer accountability and transparency are critical to restoring trust and support in the student loan system. As the landscape of student loans continues to evolve, SDCC urges all stakeholders to prioritize borrowers, including their education and advocacy. We must work together to help millions regain their financial stability and confidence. For more information, to schedule an interview, or to request additional data, please contact Natalia Abrams at natalia@studentdebtcrisis.org . To read the survey report and find quotes from borrowers, click here . ### ABOUT Student Debt Crisis Center Student Debt Crisis Center is a national advocacy organization with over 2,000,000 supporters calling for fundamental reforms to student loan policies and an end to the student debt crisis. Learn more here.