Biden’s Student Loan Relief Plan: PA Borrowers’ Questions Answered

PENNSYLVANIA — More than 43 million borrowers in Pennsylvania and across the U.S. stand to benefit under a long-awaited student loan debt relief plan announced by President Joe Biden Wednesday. While the plan falls far short of total debt cancelation, for which progressives have been lobbying for years, it still represents the most significant federal investment in student loan assistance in history.

The plan will forgive $10,000 in student loan debt for some borrowers in Pennsylvania. It also cancels an additional $10,000 for those who received federal Pell Grants to attend college.

Under the new plan, Biden also directed officials to extend an existing pause on federal student loan payments until Dec. 31.

Unsurprisingly, Pennsylvania's two U.S. senators were split on the issue. Democratic Sen. Bob Casey is a staunch supporter of the effort, arguing that Biden had "eased the burden for millions."

"This will give them the freedom to invest in the future, buy a home, and start a business," he said.

Casey added that the country must prioritize the "skyrocketing" cost of college heading into the future. "(Students should) be able to get an education without signing up for a lifetime of debt," he added.

Republican Sen. Pat Toomey has been equally disapproving of the measure, which he says marks an injustice to those who have already paid their loans and amounts to bailout of higher education.

"Taxpayers will foot the bill for this massive expenditure, including the vast majority of Americans who already paid off their loans, paid for tuition out of pocket, or do not even have post-secondary education nor enjoy the higher lifetime earnings associated with it," Toomey said.

Some 2.1 million Pennsylvanians owe $71.5 billion in total outstanding debt, according to Lending Tree's Student Loan Hero. The average borrower is $33,426 in arrears, with an average monthly payment of $283.

Still, questions remain among Pennsylvania borrowers who aren’t sure if they qualify for relief or what they might have to do to claim it.

Here are some answers we know so far:

How do I know if I qualify for relief?

Your annual income must be below $125,000 to be eligible. For couples filing taxes jointly, their yearly income must be below $250,000. If you received a Pell Grant in college and meet the income threshold, you’re eligible for up to $20,000 in debt cancellation.

According to the Washington Post, the Department of Education will use income information from 2020 or 2021 to determine eligibility.

Also, relief is capped at the amount of your outstanding debt. For example, if you’re eligible for $10,000 in debt relief but have a remaining balance of $5,000, you will only receive $5,000.

Private loans are not eligible for relief.

How do I receive my loan forgiveness?

According to the U.S. Department of Education, nearly 8 million borrowers whose income information is already available to the agency will receive their relief automatically.

The agency will launch an online application in the coming weeks if the Department of Education does not have your income information. The application will be available through Dec. 31.

Sign up for email alerts through the Department of Education to be notified when the application is open.

How does the new income-based repayment plan work?

While the Department of Education has always offered income-based repayment plans, Biden’s proposal aims to create a new program that substantially reduces future monthly payments for lower- and middle-income borrowers.

The new plan will ensure borrowers pay no more than 5 percent of their monthly discretionary income on undergraduate loans, down from 10 percent under the current income-driven repayment plan. The new program will also raise the amount of income considered non-discretionary, protecting it from repayment.

What if I took out a student loan this year?

Loans must originate before July 1 to qualify. Current students will qualify for loan forgiveness if their parent's income is below the required amount, the Post reported.

What do I need to do to extend my student loan pause through the end of the year?

Nothing. The pause will occur automatically.