If you have federal student loans and you believe that you were defrauded by your school, you may be eligible for borrower defense to Stop Student Loan Payments. Borrower Defense is a federal program that can forgive your student loans if you were misled about the cost of attendance, the job prospects for graduates, or the quality of education you would receive.
The Biden-Harris administration has made it easier for borrowers to apply for borrower defense, and it has also stopped collecting on loans from borrowers who have pending borrower defense applications. This means that if you apply for borrower defense before the payment pause ends on August 31, 2023, your payments will be stopped until your application is decided.
To apply for borrower defense, you can go to the Federal Student Aid website and submit an online application. You will need to provide information about your loans, your school, and the alleged misconduct that occurred. You should also include any supporting documentation you have, such as emails, letters, or other records.
Once you submit your application, the Department of Education will review it and make a decision. If your application is approved, your loans will be discharged and you will not have to make any further payments. If your application is denied, you may be able to appeal the decision.
How to Stop Student Loan Payments with the Borrower Defense
- Go to the Federal Student Aid website and submit an online borrower defense application.
- Provide information about your loans, your school, and the alleged misconduct that occurred.
- Include any supporting documentation you have, such as emails, letters, or other records.
- Submit your application and wait for a decision from the Department of Education.
If your application is approved, your student loan payments will stop immediately. You will not have to make any further payments until your application is decided. If your application is denied, you may be able to appeal the decision, but your payments will resume in the meantime.
It is important to note that the borrower defense process can be complex and time-consuming. However, if you believe that you were defrauded by your school, it is important to apply for borrower defense. It is the only way to have your loans forgiven.
If you need help applying for borrower defense, you can contact the Student Loan Relief program. The Student Loan Relief program provides free legal aid to borrowers who are applying for borrower defense. The program can help you complete the application, gather supporting documentation, and negotiate with the Department of Education on your behalf.
Here are some additional tips for applying for borrower defense:
- Be as specific as possible when describing the alleged misconduct that occurred.
- Provide as much supporting documentation as you can. This could include emails, letters, transcripts, or other records.
- If you have any questions or need help completing the application, you can contact the Borrower Defense Hotline at 1-855-279-6207.
Don’t wait to apply for borrower defense. If you believe that you were defrauded by your school, you may be eligible to have your student loan payments stopped immediately.
