Two weeks ago, the AFT filed a lawsuit against the Department of Education pertaining to Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This was a program that was created in 2007 and meant to be an incentive to enter public service and bring relief to public employees with student loans. The basic premise was that they had to make the monthly minimum payment for 10 years (while working in certain professions of public service, such as teaching), and the debt would be erased.

However, predatory lenders have used loopholes and technicalities to deny those who have applied. In the past 2 years, many have applied, but less than 1% have been approved. Instead of addressing the issue and helping to bring relief, the Department of Education under Secretary DeVos has impeded efforts. Hence the lawsuit.

Here are the relevant articles, and advice on how to seek relief if you are one of those impacted.

The complete 111 page lawsuit can be found here.

AFT press release regarding the lawsuit.

Washington Post article that summarizes the issue.

Video of press conference with Representative Joe Courtney, Attorney General William Tong, and AFT Secretary-Treasurer David Hayes.

An FAQ fact page created by Joe Courtney’s office, with many useful links, that helps borrows find answers.

This issue is getting the attention of Congress, but achieving relief may take time. In the meantime, if you are initially denied, apply again and again!

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