Yes, it is possible to get your federal student loan balance forgiven if you become totally and permanently disabled. If you are on Social Security Disability with a 5- or 7-year review, then the Department of Education will accept that as evidence of disability.
However, if it is on a 3-year review, or have not obtained Social Security Disability, then there are certain criteria that must be met. In order to be eligible for this forgiveness, you must prove that you are unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that
- can be expected to result in death,
- has lasted for a continuous period of at least five (5) years, or
- can be expected to last for an additional continuous period of at least five (5) years.
For more information on disability discharge, check out this article.
If you would like more information about student loans, you can download my free book, I Graduated; Now What? A Guide to Dealing with Your Student Loans.
If you live in southern New Jersey and would like to consult with me on your loans, please feel free to call my office at 856-432-4113 or contact me through this site to schedule an appointment in my Woodbury office to discuss your case.
