Department of Education to Resume Student Loan Collections, Affecting Millions
The Department of Education has announced that collections on defaulted federal student loans will resume after a prolonged pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision will impact millions of borrowers who have been in default, some for over six years. The department plans to implement wage garnishments as part of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) provisions, which will take effect this summer. A new income-driven repayment plan, the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), will be available starting July 1, offering lower payments for the average borrower compared to previous plans. The department emphasizes voluntary repayment methods before resorting to wage garnishments. Nicholas Kent, under secretary at the Department of Education, stated that loan forgiveness is not forthcoming, urging borrowers to resume payments.