Student Loan Law

New Rights and Relief for Federal and Private Student Loan Borrowers

A comprehensive guide navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of student loan laws, discharge programs, and enforcement strategies. Student Loan Law covers all loan types: Federal Direct Loans (including Consolidation and Parent PLUS), legacy FFEL/Stafford loans, Perkins Loans, and private student loans.

Recent Changes & Expanded Cancellation

• Post-Pause & Default Relief: Steps for borrowers at the end of the 33-month payment pause, the Fresh Start initiative for defaulted borrowers, and the elimination of private debt collectors on federal loans.
• Accelerated Forgiveness: Faster loan cancellation under income-driven repayment, expanded Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), billions in relief for predatory school victims, and speedier, more complete borrower defense discharges.
• Disability Discharges: Automatic loan discharges for borrowers on VA or Social Security disability.

Borrower Rights, Repayment & Litigation

• Repayment Options: Financial hardship deferments, income-driven repayment plans (including the SAVE plan), and paths out of default via Fresh Start, consolidation, or rehabilitation.
• Stopping Abusive Collections: Protections against tax intercepts, wage garnishments, and Social Security benefit seizures, plus strategies to minimize collection fees.
• School Misconduct Claims: Discharges based on school closures, false certification of eligibility, failure to pay owed refunds, and deceptive practices.
• Litigation & Defense Tactics: Strategic guidance and dedicated coverage for litigating against servicers, debt collectors, schools, and private lenders, including challenges to private student loan collection.

Praise

"The most important resource available to those of us in the field and the authoritative source on student loan issues. Many Philadelphians have received student loan help because of this manual." —Sharon Dietrich, Litigation Director, Community Legal Services of Philadelphia