Historic Achievement for Hope Credit Clients: Over $23 Million in Forgiveness
As we approach the crucial July 1, 2024, date for the official implementation of the Department of Education’s IDR Account Adjustment, Hope Credit is pleased to announce the forgiveness of more than $23 million in student loan debt for hundreds of former Hope Credit clients since November 2021.
Delivering Relief Through Student Loan Forgiveness
Over the last three years, Hope Credit has worked with hundreds of student loan borrowers to secure the ultimate relief: complete forgiveness of their entire federal student loan debt balances. This forgiveness has been made possible by recent adjustments from the U.S. Department of Education to ensure that borrowers who have held their loans for decades finally receive a fair resolution under a flawed student loan system.
Understanding the IDR Account Adjustment and Its Impact
Addressing Unfair Collection Practices
Unlike the blanket forgiveness program, which was ruled illegal by the U.S. Supreme Court in June 2023, the IDR account adjustment directly addresses unfair collection practices by student loan servicers. These servicers were responsible for helping borrowers account for required months in repayment to qualify for forgiveness under federal laws. These laws, passed by Congress and signed by the President, have existed since 2007, guaranteeing loan forgiveness after 10, 20, or 25 years of on-time repayment.
Relief for Misinformed Borrowers
Borrowers who signed promissory notes with forgiveness provisions attempted to fulfill their obligations but were misled or misinformed by federally contracted student loan servicers. This caused them to lose eligibility despite fulfilling their repayment obligations. With the IDR account adjustment, these borrowers gained months, years, or even decades of eligibility that they would have otherwise been denied due to technicalities unrelated to their repayment behavior or intent.
Types of Forgiveness Secured
Forgiveness Programs for Borrowers:
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): 10 years of repayment while working for a government or non-profit entity.
- One-Time Adjustment Method: Forgiveness after 20 or 25 years of repayment.
- Fraudulent School Discharges: Borrowers who attended fraudulent institutions.
- Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Discharges: Borrowers who were permanently and totally disabled at the time of forgiveness.
Eligibility and the Importance of Action
Why Borrowers Should Act Now:
Hope Credit continues to engage with hundreds of federal student loan borrowers annually who are eligible for forgiveness but have not been contacted through outreach by the U.S. Department of Education. Since the IDR Account Adjustment is a policy change rather than a law, its future remains uncertain without legislative backing. Borrowers must proactively seek solutions to benefit from the program before potential changes under future administrations.
Check Your Eligibility for Relief
If you believe you may qualify for the One-Time Adjustment to gain months, years, or decades toward your student loan forgiveness, consult with one of Hope Credit’s certified student loan counselors. Our team can help you identify the most financially beneficial solution for your federal student loan debt.