Supreme Court Strikes Down Proposed Student Debt Cancellation
In August of 2022, President Biden announced a new student loan debt relief program that would provide eligible student loan borrowers with up to $20,000 in debt cancellation for Pell Grant recipients, and up to $10,000 in cancellation for non-Pell Grant recipients. However, ongoing lawsuits put the program on hold. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in February 2023 and NASW is disappointed that on June 30, the court ruled against the Biden administration plan, stating the President does not have the authority to forgive student debt. Separately, the May agreement to raise the debt ceiling prevents further extensions of the student loan payment pause that has been in effect since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Education will begin collecting payments again later this year. Interest will resume on September 1, 2023, and payments will be due in October.
Borrowers can take steps now to be ready for payment to resume.