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Federal Student Loan Debt Relief in the Context of COVID-19. CRS Report R46314, Version 9. Updated

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Federal Student Loan Debt Relief in the Context of COVID-19. CRS Report R46314, Version 9. Updated
Language: English
Authors: Hegji, Alexandra, Library of Congress, Congressional Research Service (CRS)
Source: Congressional Research Service. 2022.
Availability: Congressional Research Service. Web site: https://crsreports.congress.gov/
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 26
Publication Date: 2022
Intended Audience: Policymakers
Document Type: Reports - Descriptive
Descriptors: Federal Aid, Student Loan Programs, Federal Legislation, Debt (Financial), Loan Repayment, COVID-19, Pandemics, Loan Default
Laws, Policies and Program Identifiers: Federal Direct Student Loan Program
Abstract: Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA; P.L. 89-329, as amended) authorizes the operation of three federal student loan programs: the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) program, the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program, and the Federal Perkins Loan program. While new loans are currently authorized to be made only through the Direct Loan program, previously made FFEL and Perkins Loan program loans remain outstanding and borrowers of such loans remain responsible for repaying them. In response to the current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, numerous questions have arisen regarding student loan repayment flexibilities and debt relief that may be available to individuals to alleviate potential financial effects related to COVID-19. The HEA generally authorizes several options for qualifying individuals. Recent administrative and congressional action, including the enactment of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136), provide additional student loan relief measures. This report provides an overview of student loan repayment flexibilities and debt relief provisions that may be available to borrowers facing financial difficulties resulting from the pandemic. It first lists some preexisting loan terms and conditions (authorized through statute and regulations) that may be available to individuals. It then discusses specific administrative and congressional actions taken to address student loan debt in the context of COVID-19. The report concludes with a brief description of additional existing authorities that could be utilized to address other aspects of student loan relief.
Abstractor: ERIC
Entry Date: 2022
Accession Number: ED622514
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA; P.L. 89-329, as amended) authorizes the operation of three federal student loan programs: the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) program, the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program, and the Federal Perkins Loan program. While new loans are currently authorized to be made only through the Direct Loan program, previously made FFEL and Perkins Loan program loans remain outstanding and borrowers of such loans remain responsible for repaying them. In response to the current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, numerous questions have arisen regarding student loan repayment flexibilities and debt relief that may be available to individuals to alleviate potential financial effects related to COVID-19. The HEA generally authorizes several options for qualifying individuals. Recent administrative and congressional action, including the enactment of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136), provide additional student loan relief measures. This report provides an overview of student loan repayment flexibilities and debt relief provisions that may be available to borrowers facing financial difficulties resulting from the pandemic. It first lists some preexisting loan terms and conditions (authorized through statute and regulations) that may be available to individuals. It then discusses specific administrative and congressional actions taken to address student loan debt in the context of COVID-19. The report concludes with a brief description of additional existing authorities that could be utilized to address other aspects of student loan relief.