Student Loan Repayment and Debt Relief Guide for New Yorkers

NOTE: The federal student loan COVID-19 payment pause has been extended into 2023. The repayment pause is now extended until 60 days after the federal Department of Education is permitted to implement the one-time debt relief program or its litigation is resolved. If the one-time debt relief program has not been implemented and the litigation has not been resolved by June 30, 2023 — payments will resume 60 days after that. For the latest information, please visit the Federal Student Loan COVID-19 page.

If you took out loans to pay for your education, you are in good company – well over 40 million Americans have outstanding student loans. While many borrowers struggle to pay back their loans, there are often steps that borrowers can take to improve their situations.

This Guide provides information for student borrowers to manage their loans and understand their rights during repayment. The Guide discusses:

  • Loan Repayment: how to distinguish between federal and private loans, deferment and forbearance options, and repayment plans that may help you avoid falling behind on payments or defaulting on your loans.
  • Loan Forgiveness: how to identify loan forgiveness programs, such as the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, and determine if you qualify.
  • Loan Discharge: learn about what circumstances allow you to discharge (aka erase) your loans, such as school closures or illegal conduct by the school.
  • Scam Prevention: learn how to spot and avoid scams that target student loan borrowers seeking to reduce their debt.

For more information on student loan management, see these additional resources:

 

If you think you have been the victim of a student loan scam, please file a complaint with our office or call 1-800-771-7755.

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