Student loans will begin accruing interest in September and payments will be due in October. While this is no doubt a stressful event for many of you, it doesn't mean you can't be prepared. I have compacted a list of resources below to help you make an informed decision and choose what option is best for you. And even if you are currently a high school or college student who will/is taking out loans but will not begin repayment in September, these are some excellent resources for you to start planning once the time comes.
Managing Loans
- Visit the Federal Student Aid's page on Managing Loans to access the resources most relevant to your specific situation.
- Log in to your account and use the Loan Simulator to see what repayment plan is best for you. You may qualify for lower monthly payments based on your income and family size with the Income-Driven Repayment Plan.
- If you find yourself in financial difficulties and unable to restart student loan repayments, you can apply for temporary relief for deferment or forbearance with your loan provider.
Webinars and Podcasts
- Check out the 3-part Managing Your Student Loans podcast from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
- Hosted by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, there will be four student loan repayment info webinars:
- Managing Defaulted Student Loans and Taking Advantage of the Fresh Start Program
Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 11 a.m.
Register - Understanding the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at 11 a.m.
Register - Understanding Your Rights as a Student Loan Borrower/Managing SL Disputes
When: Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 11 a.m.
Register
- Managing Defaulted Student Loans and Taking Advantage of the Fresh Start Program
- Visit the DFPI's Californians With Student Loans Webinar Series on Youtube as it targets student borrowers' rights, repayment and forgiveness options, and more.
Further Resources
- The California Student Borrower Bill of Rights is available in English and Spanish.
- Visit Veterans Education Success and see if they can help you get your loans reduced or forgiven. You may qualify if you are:
- Totally disabled
- Working in a Public Interest job (including military, government, and non-profit)
- Working as a teacher
- A member of the:
- Army
- Army Reserve
- Prior Service Army Reserve
- National Guard
- Health professionals in the Army and Navy
- Air Force JAG Corps
- Navy
- If you work in a federal, state, tribal, local government, or non-profit organization, you may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness of up to $20,000.