Overview
Federal student loan forgiveness is limited to specific programs with strict requirements. Beware of companies charging fees to enroll in free federal programs.
Key federal and state programs
These are legitimate program types. Availability and funding vary by location and year — always confirm current details on official sites:
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Teacher Loan Forgiveness
- Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) forgiveness
- Borrower Defense and closed-school discharge (special cases)
Who may qualify
Eligibility rules differ by program and state. Common factors for this topic include:
- Federal Direct Loans (consolidation may be required)
- Qualifying employment for PSLF and teacher programs
- 120 qualifying payments for PSLF
How to apply
Use only official government websites and portals. Federal agencies do not charge application fees for standard benefit programs, and no one can guarantee approval. Follow these steps for this topic:
- Log in to StudentAid.gov and use the PSLF Help Tool.
- Submit the PSLF form annually and keep employer records.
- Avoid third-party "forgiveness" companies charging fees.
Avoid scams
Protect yourself when researching assistance programs:
- Federal agencies do not charge application fees for standard benefit programs.
- Verify every program on an official .gov website before sharing personal information.
- Be wary of social media ads promising "guaranteed grant approval."
Official government sources
Verify program details, deadlines, and eligibility on these authoritative websites: