Education Department Faces Legal Setback with SAVE Plan: Impact on Student Loan Borrowers
The recent rulings in Kansas and Missouri regarding the Education Department’s SAVE plan have caused quite a stir in the student loan world. The SAVE plan, which offers lower payments and more benefits than other income-driven repayment plans, has been a lifeline for many borrowers struggling with student loan debt. However, the recent court orders have put a halt to some of the key components of the plan, leaving millions of borrowers in limbo.
The most immediate impact of the rulings is that as many as 3.4 million borrowers who owe payments under SAVE won’t see smaller bills starting in July. The Education Department was set to reduce monthly payments for borrowers with undergraduate loans, but that will no longer happen as scheduled. Other provisions of the SAVE plan, such as automatic enrollment for borrowers behind on payments and credit toward forgiveness for past periods of forbearance and deferment, have also been put on hold.
The uncertainty surrounding the future of the SAVE plan has left many borrowers wondering what will happen next. The Justice Department is considering appealing the injunctions and fighting to prove the legality of the plan. In the meantime, borrowers enrolled in SAVE should continue to make payments as usual, while those not yet on the plan can still sign up.
Despite the setbacks, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona remains optimistic about the future of the SAVE plan. He emphasizes that the plan still offers lower monthly payments for millions of borrowers and protections against runaway interest. While the future of the SAVE plan may be uncertain, borrowers can take comfort in knowing that help is still available.
As the legal battle over the SAVE plan continues, borrowers are advised to stay informed and be prepared for any changes that may come their way. The fight for affordable student loan repayment options is far from over, and borrowers can rest assured that advocates are working tirelessly to ensure that their voices are heard.