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The Biden-Harris administration has been making waves across the country with their ambitious plans for student loan forgiveness. With a focus on reducing the burden of student debt, their initiatives aim to provide relief to millions of borrowers, ultimately fostering a healthier economic climate.
A Giant Leap: $7.4 Billion Approved for Student Debt Relief
In a major stride towards their goal, the Biden-Harris administration has recently approved an additional $7.4 billion in student loan debt relief, benefitting nearly 277,000 borrowers nationwide. This move is part of the broader Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan, which aims to provide relief to those struggling with student loan debt.
The recent move brings the total loan forgiveness by the Biden-Harris administration to a staggering $153 billion, empowering close to 4.3 million Americans. This marks a significant milestone in the administration’s efforts to provide debt relief to as many borrowers as possible.
With this step, one out of every 10 federal student loan borrowers has now been approved for some debt relief, reflecting the administration’s relentless pursuit to bring economic relief to millions across the country.
A Closer Look: Breakdown of the Debt Relief
The recently announced $7.4 billion in debt relief is categorized as follows:
- $3.6 billion for nearly 206,800 borrowers through SAVE. This aims to benefit borrowers with smaller loans for their postsecondary studies who have been making repayments for at least 10 years.
- $3.5 billion for 65,800 borrowers through administrative adjustments to Income-Driven Repayment (IDR). This provision addresses concerns related to the misuse of forbearance by loan servicers and brings borrowers closer to loan forgiveness.
- $300 million for 4,600 borrowers through fixes to Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). This follows recent PSLF discharges announced by the Department.
New Proposals: Extending Debt Relief to Tens of Millions of Americans
The Biden-Harris administration has also revealed preliminary details of new plans that would broaden the scope of student debt relief. These proposals aim to extend the benefits to over 30 million borrowers, including those who have already been approved for debt cancellation.
The proposals include waivers such as:
- Canceling accrued and capitalized interest for millions of borrowers.
- Automatically discharging debt for eligible borrowers who are not enrolled in loan forgiveness programs.
- Eliminating student debt for borrowers who began repayments 20 or more years ago.
- Assisting borrowers who enrolled in low-financial-value programs or institutions.
- Providing aid to borrowers experiencing hardship in repaying their loans.
Unprecedented Measures: The Biden-Harris Administration’s Track Record
The Biden-Harris administration has been proactive in reducing student debt and ensuring that student loans do not become an obstacle to opportunities for students and families.
To date, the Biden-Harris administration has approved:
- $22.5 billion for over 1.3 million borrowers who were cheated by their schools or saw their institutions abruptly close.
- $14.1 billion for more than 548,000 borrowers with a total and permanent disability.
The following table provides a state-by-state breakdown of borrowers approved for forgiveness under IDR and SAVE.
| State | Borrower Count (SAVE) | Loan Amount (SAVE) | Borrower Count (IDR) | Loan Amount (IDR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 2,950 | $54,600,000 | 1,080 | $51,200,000 |
| Alaska | 260 | $4,400,000 | 90 | $4,600,000 |
| Arizona | 5,280 | $91,400,000 | 1,720 | $89,600,000 |
| Arkansas | 2,180 | $35,800,000 | 620 | $31,400,000 |
The sum of the individual values may not equal the total due to rounding.
A Word from the Administration
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona emphasized that the Biden-Harris administration is committed to providing hardworking Americans with some relief, as long as student loan debt competes with basic needs such as food and healthcare.
U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal echoed this sentiment, stating that the recent announcement will help borrowers who have made payments on their student loans for at least a decade. This relief is intended for those who have paid what they can afford, giving them well-earned loan forgiveness for the remaining balance.
The Impact: Boosting the Economy and Well-being of Borrowers
This debt relief could potentially boost short-term consumption and have positive effects on borrower mental health, financial security, and outcomes such as homeownership and entrepreneurship.
Borrowers will start receiving notifications about their approvals, and their relief will be processed in the following weeks.
Looking Ahead: The Biden-Harris Administration’s Future Plans
The Biden-Harris administration is committed to continuing its fight for student debt relief. The recently announced plans are just the beginning of a regulatory process that started last summer aimed at providing debt relief to as many borrowers as possible, as quickly as possible.
The administration has been vocal about its commitment to holding colleges accountable for leaving borrowers with unaffordable debts or insufficient earnings. They have also approved $62.5 billion in student debt so far for nearly 1 million borrowers who have been in repayment for at least 20 years.
President Biden has vowed to use every tool available to cancel student debt for as many Americans as possible, and the latest announcements are a key step forward in this effort.
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