Many Americans are struggling to pay back their student loans. According to a recent study, 30 percent of direct loans are in deferment. When a borrower defers a student loan, temporarily suspending repayment due to unemployment or other financial hardship- the interest on the loan continues to accrue. If no payments are made during the deferment period, the interest will capitalize and be added to the total amount of the loan.
Interest rates are expected to rise in 2018. Undergrads will pay 4.45 percent on loans distributed from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018, which is up from 3.76 last year. There are limited time frames for how long a loan can be in deferment. Deferring your student loans can also eliminate your eligibility for certain public forgiveness programs.
Deferring your student loans can be costly. Here are some alternatives:
- Utilize income-driven repayment plans offered by your lender;
- Refinance your student loans;
- See if your employer offers loan assistance to employees;
- Forbearance, which suspends student loan payments is typically at the loan holder’s discretion. These specific qualifications are detailed on the government’s Federal Student Aid
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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.
