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If you're a disabled veteran struggling with debt, you're not alone. Many programs are available to help alleviate that burden.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers debt forgiveness through its Debt Management Center. This program can help reduce or eliminate debt related to VA loans, education benefits, and other VA programs.
Veterans can also take advantage of the VA's Waiver of Indebtedness program, which can forgive debts incurred due to VA loan guarantees. This program can provide significant relief for veterans struggling to make payments.
Some veterans may be eligible for the VA's Debt Forgiveness program, which can cancel up to $20,000 in debt incurred through VA education benefits.
U.S. Department of Affairs
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs plays a crucial role in determining eligibility for Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) discharge. If you have a service-connected disability that is 100% disabling, you may be eligible for TPD discharge.
To qualify, you'll need to have received a disability determination from the VA, which can be verified through a document showing the award date. You can also check if you've received a letter from the VA indicating your eligibility for TPD discharge.
If you haven't received a letter, don't worry! You can still submit a TPD discharge application, providing a document that shows your VA disability determination award date.
Debt Forgiveness Efforts
A coalition of over 30 groups is urging the US Secretary of Education to discharge the student loans of about 350,000 disabled borrowers.
The Higher Education Act of 1965 may be the key to this effort, but its specifics are unclear.
Student loan representatives from seven states and Washington, D.C. have asked Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to erase the federal loans of over 350,000 disabled borrowers.
Veterans with a 100% TDIU rating or TPD designation are eligible for loan forgiveness and TEACH loan discharge.
Loan Discharge and Forgiveness
If you're a disabled veteran, you might be eligible for student loan forgiveness. Over 30 higher education, consumer, and veterans' groups have called on the U.S. Secretary of Education to discharge the student loans of about 350,000 disabled borrowers.
The Education Department's FOIA response revealed that it has provided student loan discharges for totally and permanently disabled borrowers. However, many of these borrowers are not veterans, but rather individuals who became disabled after leaving the military or whose injuries were not considered service-related.
The Disabled Veteran Student Loan Program is a game-changer for eligible veterans. With a 100% TDIU or TPD rating, you can have your federal student loans discharged. This process is now faster and easier, taking only about 20 minutes to complete online.
Here are the benefits of the Disabled Veteran Student Loan Program:
- Loans are forgiven.
- Payments made after your disability determination date are refunded.
- The process is entirely online and takes about 20 minutes.
The Education Department even identifies eligible veterans and notifies them, giving them a 60-day window to opt out before their loans are automatically canceled. If you're a disabled veteran, you should know that you qualify for federal student loan forgiveness with a 100% TDIU or TPD rating.
In the past, disabled veterans had to fill out paperwork and submit supporting documentation to get a discharge. However, thanks to an executive order signed by former President Trump in 2019, the process is now automatic. Unless you opt out, you'll get a discharge of your federal student loans.
Nearly all federal student loans, including FFEL loans, Perkins loans, and Direct loans, are eligible for a total and permanent disability (TPD) discharge. This also relieves a borrower from having to complete a TEACH Grant service obligation.
Loan Relief and Forgiveness Programs
If you're a disabled veteran, you're likely eligible for loan relief and forgiveness programs. These programs can help you discharge your federal student loans and get back on your feet.
The Disabled Veteran Student Loan Program is one such program that can forgive your federal student loans. To qualify, you'll need a 100% TDIU or TPD rating, which can be obtained through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Veterans with a 100% TDIU rating or TPD designation can automatically get a discharge of their federal student loans, unless they opt out of the process. This is thanks to an executive order signed by former President Trump in August 2019.
The automatic discharge process is now entirely online and takes about 20 minutes to complete. Veterans Affairs representatives can assist you with the application process if you need help.
Here are the types of loans that qualify for a discharge:
- Nearly all federal student loans, including FFEL loans, Perkins loans, and Direct loans
- TEACH Grant service obligations are also relieved
Keep in mind that the Education Department identifies eligible veterans and notifies them, giving them a 60-day window to opt out before their loans are automatically canceled.
State and Government Actions
In Virginia, disabled veterans won't have to pay state income tax on forgiven student loans, thanks to a new law signed by the Governor.
Disabled veterans in Virginia can now breathe a sigh of relief as they won't have to worry about paying state income tax on their forgiven student loans.
Seven states and Washington D.C. have joined forces to urge the Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos and Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul to erase the federal loans of students with disabilities.
The letter from these states represents a significant step towards debt forgiveness for students with disabilities.
Student loan representatives from these states are actively working towards erasing the federal loans of over a certain number of students with disabilities, but the exact number is not specified.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to credit card debt when you go on disability?
Credit card debt is generally protected from garnishment when you're on disability, but creditors can still pursue legal action to collect the debt. If you're struggling with debt while on disability, it's essential to understand your rights and options
Can I get a VA loan to pay off credit card debt?
Yes, you can use a VA cash-out refinance to pay off credit card debt and consolidate other high-interest loans. This can help simplify your finances and save you money on interest payments
Sources
- https://studentaid.gov/articles/3-ways-qualify-total-permanent-disability-discharge/
- https://usveteransmagazine.com/usvm/9-billion-in-debt-has-been-forgiven-what-does-that-mean-for-vets/
- https://vetsedsuccess.org/what-we-do/policy-advocacy/our-work-with-the-executive-branch/education/disabled-veterans-student-loan-forgiveness/
- https://www.hillandponton.com/va-disability-student-loan-forgiveness/
- https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/student-loan-forgiveness-for-permanently-disabled-veterans.html
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