Millions of student-loan borrowers can now apply for President Joe Biden’s long-awaited debt relief program. Sort of.
Over the weekend, the Education Department opened up a beta test application on its studentaid.gov website. Applicants can fill out a simple form with just their names, contact information and Social Security numbers.
Now, the application hasn’t officially launched yet. But you should still go ahead and fill out the form. It’s in a beta testing period that allows the department to test the site while determining potential trouble-spots before it goes formally live. Applications submitted during the beta test will be processed once the site goes live so as long as you’ve got a confirmation email, you won’t need to apply again.
“Soon, we’ll be opening the online application with our official launch,” the department wrote in an update to borrowers. “But we would like you to help us test the site by applying now during our beta test. If you submit an application during this period, it will be processed when the site officially launches. You won’t need to resubmit. If you have already applied and received a confirmation email, you do not need to apply again.”
Here’s a few things to know before you apply:
Where do I apply?
The application is available at https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief/application. The Education Department has also said a paper version is in the works.
Who qualifies for the student loan forgiveness program?
The program offers relief to eligible borrowers with full or partial discharge of loans up to $20,000 to Federal Pell Grant recipients and up to $10,000 to non-Pell Grant recipients. Individuals who made less than $125,000 in 2021 or 2020, and families that made less than $250,000 in 2021 or 2020 are eligible for relief.
What information is needed for the application?
You will need to submit your Social Security number, name, date of birth, phone number, email and attest to earning less than the income caps set for relief. You won’t have to attach any documents or log in with your federal student identification number.
Applications will be verified by the Education Department’s Federal Student Aid office and matched with borrowers’ federal records to confirm eligibility. Anyone who submits false information could be subject to penalties including fines or imprisonment, so make sure you double check all your information.
When is the deadline to apply?
The application site will be available periodically for a few weeks before it officially launches. It will remain open through December 2023. But the Biden administration has recommended people to apply by Nov. 15 to have the form processed before the pause on federal student loan payments ends this year.
