student loan debt, Student Loans

Judge Blocks Biden’s New Student Loan Forgiveness Plan

U.S. District Judge Randal Hall in Augusta, Georgia, has issued a temporary restraining order against President Joe Biden’s second effort to cancel student loan debt for millions of Americans. Earlier this summer, millions of federal student loan borrowers received an email from the Biden administration informing them that debt forgiveness was on the way, and they may be eligible.

Judge Hall, responded to a lawsuit against the relief package brought by seven Republican-led states. The states — Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, North Dakota, and Ohio — said the U.S. Department of Education’s new debt cancellation effort, like its previous attempts, ‘is illegal.’

Hall said the states had made a convincing case that the department was overstepping its authority and blocked the Biden administration from moving forward with its attempt to cancel federal student loan debt.

In June of 2023, the Supreme Court ruled Biden’s first attempt to cancel around $400 billion in federal student loan debt unconstitutional.

Biden’s first attempt to forgive student loan debt was through an executive action. This latest time, his administration has pursued the regulatory process, a lengthier route that it hoped would make its relief package more immune to legal challenges.

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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. There are ways to file for bankruptcy with student loan 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 McMaken 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 McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

student loan debt, Student Loans

Where You Can Get Student Loan Debt Forgiveness if Biden’s Debt Plan Fails

If President Biden’s student loan debt cancellation plan is struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court, borrowers still have options available to them through individual state forgiveness plans.

In fact, 47 states and Washington, D.C., have their own programs, while many of them offer more than one loan forgiveness program. Every program is different with its own unique set of requirements, many of which are tailored to one profession or one specific industry. Additionally, like the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program, many of them require the borrower to work in a specific industry for a set period of time.  However, if the Supreme Court does end up striking down Biden’s proposed program, these state programs may be the only option available to borrowers.

student loan debt

Federal Government Seeks Alternatives after Biden Student Loan Forgiveness Program Blocked

With President Biden’s student loan forgiveness at an indefinite pause, the federal government is looking for other ways to help student loan borrowers receive relief from their debt. However, many of these changes hinge on the decision of the executive branch.

One reason student loan debt is so difficult to pay down has to do with the interest charged on the balance every month. According to the Education Department, $22 billion in interest was charged in the fiscal year 2019 alone. Keep in mind that no interest has been charged on federal student loans since the pause was issued on interest on these types of loans after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

student loan debt, Student Loans

$32 Billion in Student Loan Forgiveness Granted by Biden Administration: How to Apply

The Biden administration approved a total of $32 billion in student loan forgiveness over the course of the last year. Here’s a quick overview of Biden’s recent student loan forgiveness plan announced this week:

    • $10,000 for federal student loan borrowers who didn’t receive Pell Grants (only applies to those earning less than $125,000 a year or couples earning less than $250,000 a year)
    • $20,000 for federal student loan borrowers who received Pell Grants.