An average of 3,000 borrowers default on their federal student loans every day. The number increased 17 percent from 2015 to 2016, according to a consumer Federation of America analysis of U.S. Department of Education data.
Despite a growing economy, 42.4 million Americans owed $1.3 trillion in federal student loans last year. By the end of the year more than 4.2 million borrowers were in default. This is up from 3.6 million the previous year, meaning that 1.1 million borrowers went into or re-entered default last year.
How to Avoid Defaulting on Student Loans
If your debt is unmanageable, you have options:
- If you have federal student loans, you can qualify for income-based repayment plans. The percentage of federal student loan borrowers enrolled in repayment plans has quadrupled over the past four years. Keep in mind you must re-apply every year for income-based repayment.
- If you have private loans you have limited options. Some lenders offer forbearance if borrowers can’t make their payments. The benefits are not as vigorous as they are with federal loans and typically last no more than 12 months.
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For borrowers who are struggling with student loan debt, relief options are available. Many student loan borrowers are unaware that they have rights and repayment options available to them, such as postponement of loan payments, reduction of payments or even a complete discharge of the debt. It is important you contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia website at www.miamibankruptcy.com