Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Over one million public servants in America have earned student loan forgiveness through the PSLF program. Are you one of Wisconsin’s 280,000 public service workers with student loan debt?

The Coalition offers free webinars and helpline assistance for eligible public service workers to access this important loan forgiveness program.

 

Do you work at a public service organization?

We can provide your staff and colleagues with free help to navigate the PSLF process. Sign up and we’ll be in touch.

 

  • A loan forgiveness program for United States government or not-for-profit employees that forgives your qualifying remaining balance after making 120 qualifying payments.

  • Eligibility for PSLF is determined by who your employer is, NOT the kind of work you do for that employer. (teacher, administrator, support staff, etc.). You can look up on the Federal Student Aid website whether you work for a qualifying employer:

    https://studentaid.gov/pslf/employer-search

  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness is a program that was established with bipartisan support through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, passed by Congress in 2007 and signed by President George W. Bush. The PSLF will continue to be available unless Congress repeals that law.

  • Under the CARES Act, Congress paused payments on most federal student loans due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic from March 13, 2020 until September 1, 2023. You can make a loan payment buyback for this time period if that brings your total payments to the required 120. Learn how it works : https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service/public-service-loan-forgiveness-buyback

  • You don’t need to have worked for the same qualifying employer during your payment period. Nonprofits, public or religious schools, government organizations, Peace Corps and Americorps are examples of qualifying employers. Use the PSLF Employer Search Tool to confirm whether your employer qualifies you for PSLF.

  • Our free and confidential helpline can walk you through the steps for PSLF.

    Call us:

    833-589-0750

    Monday-Friday 8:00-4:30 Central

    or Email us: StudentLoanQuestions@debtsmarts.org

 

Our recent presentation at the Wisconsin School Counselors Association 2024 Annual Conference

This video covers the five key things you need to know to be eligible for loan forgiveness.

This session walks through, temporary account adjustments happening NOW, how to apply, and actions to take to remain on track toward forgiveness eligibility.