Student Loan Discharge Process for Disabled Veterans Made Easier

Introduction

Simplifying the loan forgiveness process and proactively identifying veterans with federal student loans who may be eligible for a discharge.

Main Item

The U.S. Department of Education (Department) has partnered with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make it easier for America's disabled veterans to have their federal student loans discharged.

"Our nation's veterans have sacrificed much for our country, it is important that, in return, we do all we can to give them the support and care they deserve," U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said. "Simplifying the loan forgiveness process and proactively identifying veterans with federal student loans who may be eligible for a discharge is a small but critical way we can show our gratitude for veterans' service."

Acting VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said;

"The hard work put into this important initiative by two large federal agencies for our veterans and their families is impressive in scope and further underscores VA's values. I want to thank Secretary DeVos and her team for partnering in this wonderful effort for those who have given so much."

Starting this month, the Department will begin matching borrowers on the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS®), who have federal student loans or aid through the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program, to the VA database.

Borrowers positively identified in the match will be mailed a customized letter that will explain eligibility for loan discharge and include a total and permanent disability (TPD) application. The borrower can sign and return the application to complete the process of applying for a TPD discharge.

U.S. Department of Education (ED) Overview and Mission Statement

ED's mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.

ED was created in 1980 by combining offices from several federal agencies. ED's 4,400 employees and $68 billion budget are dedicated to:

• Establishing policies on federal financial aid for education, and distributing as well as monitoring those funds.
• Collecting data on America's schools and disseminating research.
• Focusing national attention on key educational issues.
• Prohibiting discrimination and ensuring equal access to education.

Helpful Resources:

• Consequences of Student Loan Default
• Student Loan Debt: Undue Hardship Assistance
• New U.S. Student Loan Repayment Plan Proposed
• Total and Permanent Disability Claims on Student Loans
• Joint Efforts to Protect and Support Student Loan Borrowers
• New Federal Student Loan Repayment Forgiveness Programs
• Student Loans Linked With Lower Net Worth and Housing Values After College

Attribution/Source(s):
This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its significant relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by U.S. Department of Education, and published on 2018/04/17 (Edit Update: 2023/11/29), the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, U.S. Department of Education can be contacted at ed.gov. NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.