Student Loan Forgiveness

Who qualifies for Student Loan Forgiveness?

The following careers qualify for Federal student loan forgiveness programs.

• Teachers
• Service Members
• Nurses
• Police Officers
• Firefighters
• Non-profit Employees
• Public Interest Lawyers

Public service employees working in the above-listed fields are eligible for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF), passed by Congress in 2007. The Federal government created this program to inspire young people, many of whom carry a high debt burden, to pursue careers in public service. Recognizing that big debts were preventing some of the nation’s best and brightest from giving back, this program provides an incentive for college graduates to build a career in public service.

Common Questions

What is Public Service Loan Forgiveness program?

An incentive for college graduates to work full-time in the public service sector ˆ i.e. police, teachers, nurses, firefighters, etc. ˆ for 10 years to qualify for forgiveness on what‚s left of the student loan debt.

How do you become eligible for public service loan forgiveness?

You must be a full-time employee at a qualified public service organization and make 120 separate, on-time loan payments. You also must be in a qualifying repayment program.

What is a qualified public service organization?

Generally speaking, that refers to any city, county, state or federal government office or agency. Working for most non-profit 501 (c)(3) organizations also qualifies, unless it is a labor union, partisan political organization or engaged in religious activity.

Does this mean I have to work at the same place for 10 years?

No, you could work at multiple places, but you must provide documentation that you were working for a qualified public service organization when you made your 120 loan payments.

Will the PSLF program apply to all college loans, even private loans?

No. Private and non-federal loans are not eligible. The PSLF program only applies to Direct Federal Loans and Direct Consolidation Loans.

If I do get part of my loan forgiven, does the IRS consider that income that must be claimed on taxes?

No. The IRS does not consider amounts forgiven under the PSLF program to be taxable income.

Loan Forgiveness Checklist

• Consolidate and enroll in an eligible repayment plan. In order to receive loan forgiveness under this program, you must first consolidate student loans an enroll in an eligible repayment plan. Not all repayment plans qualify for this program. If you’re income is relatively low, compared to your debt, you will save the most money by choosing an income-based repayment plan.
• Verify your public service employment status with the Department of Education. Because your loan forgiveness depends on your field, you’ll need to certify your employment with the DOE. It’s best to do this every year.
• Make 120 on-time payments. Debt forgiveness is provided after you make 10 years of on-time payments, on a qualifying repayment plan (see item #1).[/list]

Public service workers with high student loan balances relative to their income can benefit by consolidating and choosing income-based repayment. To learn more about your options, call a student loan counselor today.