Public Service Loan Forgiveness erases the federal student loan debt of educators and other public service workers after 10 years of service and 120 qualifying monthly payments.
To qualify, you must have federal student loans and be employed full-time (30 hours or more per week) by a public service employer, which includes all public school districts, higher education institutions and not-for-profits.
Apply before Oct. 31 at studentaid.gov/pslf to take advantage of the temporary waiver. If you haven’t worked 10 years in public service, it is recommended that you apply now to ensure that any payments that did not count prior to the limited waiver are counted toward your qualifying 120 payments.
Recently, President Biden unveiled a new $10,000 loan forgiveness program for Americans earning up to $125,000 per year, plus an additional $10,000 for students who received Pell grants.
Cambridge experts suggest NYSUT members should pursue both PSLF and the newest forgiveness programs.
Here are some additional resources to get you started:
- Manage Your Loans.Visit studentaid.gov to find out what type of federal loans you have, consolidate your loans, and access the PSLF help tool.
- Create an FSA ID. To take advantage of student aid resources offered, make sure you have an Federal Student Aid account.
- Download the PSLF form. Complete the form to certify your employment and other qualifications to apply for relief.
Have questions about student debt relief? Your union is here to help!
NYSUT offers members free student loan debt workshops and services in partnership with Cambridge Credit Counseling.
Since the pandemic, NYSUT has moved the workshops online, helping thousands with informational webinars and individualized follow-up support.
REPORTS
New law expands PSLF eligibility for adjuncts. Sep. 15, 2022.
In a big win for union activists, a new law expands eligibility under state labor law by giving thousands of adjunct faculty and other part-time educators credit for work outside the classroom. Full story.
Educators finally getting Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Sep. 1, 2022.
The news was incredible: social studies teacher Jeff Krautheimer's student loan balance totaling tens of thousands of dollars was gone. Zero. “I couldn’t believe it,” said Krautheimer, a Long Island teacher for more than 20 years. “It was surreal. I showed it to my wife and double-checked my online account.” Full story.
Details emerging on student loan forgiveness plans. Aug. 26, 2022.
How does the new loan forgiveness plan impact NYSUT members who want to take advantage of the PSLF waiver opportunity but have federal loan balances that would be eliminated by the proposed lump-sum forgiveness? Full story.
Thanks to union advocacy, student loan forgiveness is a reality. Aug. 26, 2022.
Student loan forgiveness provides much needed relief to eligible New Yorkers - and union advocacy helped to make it possible. Full story.
RESOURCES
NYSUT & Cambridge Credit Counseling
NYSUT members should visit studentloans.nysut.org to sign up for our free student loan webinars and follow-up one-on-one counseling sessions.
NYSUT Member Benefits Student Loan Center
The NYSUT Member Benefits Corporation-endorsed Cambridge Credit Counseling program can assist NYSUT members with better understanding their student loan re-payment options and/or debt consolidation.
AFT
Summer is AFT's online student loan management platform.
NEA
The National Education Association offers links to webinars, FAQs and the Student Debt Navigator.
UUP
United University Professions offers virtual clinics every payday Wednesday. Check the online calendar to find a date and register.