Did you know that single mothers often struggle more than others when it comes to repaying student loans?
Research from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research found that even a decade after leaving school, most single moms still owe more than three times the amount of debt compared to their peers.
If you’re a single mom facing this challenge, it’s a significant concern.
Planning for other crucial financial matters, like saving for retirement or providing adequate care for your children, becomes challenging.
The good news is that there’s a solution available now.
Single moms can access student loan forgiveness designed to ease the financial burden they carry.
Keep reading to learn more about these specific opportunities for student loan forgiveness tailored for single moms.
Best Student Loan Forgiveness For Single Mothers
Find below programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens on your shoulders as a single mom.
1. The Income-Driven Repayment Plan Forgiveness
This is a helpful option for single moms, as it calculates their monthly payments based on their income.
After making payments for a set number of years, any remaining balance can be forgiven.
This is especially beneficial for those with low incomes and high loan amounts, offering flexibility to ensure manageable repayment for single moms handling multiple responsibilities.
Single moms should consider exploring this forgiveness program to check if they qualify and can enjoy reduced monthly payments, leading to eventual forgiveness of their student loans.
How To Apply:
To apply for Income-Driven Repayment Plan Forgiveness, single mothers can contact their loan servicer or visit the Federal Student Aid website to understand the program and check if they qualify.
2. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
This initiative is a federal program that pardons loans for individuals engaged in public service occupations, such as government roles or nonprofit organizations.
To qualify for PSLF, borrowers must possess Direct Loans, work full-time for an eligible employer, and complete 120 qualifying monthly payments through an income-driven repayment plan or the standard repayment plan.
After making these 120 qualifying payments, the outstanding balance of the loan is forgiven.
The PSLF program is specifically designed to incentivize individuals to pursue careers in teaching, government service, nursing, public interest law, the military, and religious work.
How To Apply:
To apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), start by checking eligibility using the PSLF Help Tool on the Federal Student Aid website.
Next, submit the PSLF Application, specifically the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) & Temporary Expanded PSLF (TEPSLF) Certification & Application form.
Calling all single moms to level up their financial game!
(By subscribing, you agree to our terms & conditions, privacy policy, and disclaimer.)
3. President Biden’s Loan Cancellation Plan
In August 2023, President Joe Biden proposed a comprehensive plan to relieve federal student debt, benefiting millions, including struggling single mothers and fathers.
The plan aims to wipe out up to $10,000 per borrower, and for those who received Pell Grants, it could be up to $20,000.
While the details of this plan are still being ironed out, it brings hope for many single moms dealing with education loans.
Stay informed and watch for updates on this potentially life-changing program!
How To Apply:
You can apply for the SAVE plan by Joe Biden by visiting this website.
4. Federal Loan Forgiveness
The Federal Government provides various loan forgiveness programs through departments like the National Health Service Corps and the Nursing Education Loan Forgiveness Program.
These initiatives offer great relief for single moms dealing with student loan debt.
(i) For the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Forgiveness, healthcare professionals working in underserved communities can qualify. To be eligible, one must work in a healthcare facility primarily serving low-income patients and meet specified requirements.
(ii) The Nursing Education Loan Forgiveness Program (NELP) extends loan forgiveness to nurses in eligible facilities, such as hospitals or health clinics, serving a majority of low-income patients. Meeting specific eligibility criteria is necessary for participation.
While not designed specifically for single mothers, these programs can be beneficial for those facing financial challenges while pursuing careers in healthcare.
How To Apply:
Collect necessary documentation, such as proof of employment in a qualifying healthcare facility.
Then, complete the program application thoroughly, making sure all required information is provided, and submit it accordingly.
5. Total And Permanent Disability Discharge
This program allows individuals with federal student loans to have their debt forgiven by providing documentation of their disability.
It provides significant financial relief for those dealing with long-term or permanent disabilities, allowing them to focus on their health and well-being without the added burden of student loan payments.
How To Apply:
To qualify for Total and Permanent Disability Discharge, ensure you meet criteria by having a federal student loan and a documented total and permanent disability.
Contact your loan servicer, such as the U.S. Department of Education, to express your intention to apply and receive guidance on the application process.
Conclusion
Catering for your family as a single mom and clearing up student debts is no small feat.
Make sure you apply for any of the above student loan forgiveness programs you’re eligible for.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey.
For more helpful tips on gaining financial freedom, do well to subscribe to our newsletter.
Do you have other challenges on your plate or need some help?
Drop a comment, and we’ll respond as soon as possible.
FAQs
The approval timeline varies but generally takes several months. Patience and thorough documentation are crucial during this process.
Most forgiveness programs focus on federal loans. However, exploring refinancing and alternative repayment plans for private loans is recommended.
Seek alternative options, such as income-driven repayment plans or loan consolidation, and consult with financial advisors for personalized advice.
