John,

The Biden administration has launched a simple online form to apply for federal student education debt relief at https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief/application.

Any individual who made less than $125,000 in 2020 or 2021 can now apply to cancel $10,000 in federal student education debt. (Or people who pay taxes jointly and who made less than $250,000 in 2020 or 2021.) Borrowers who received Federal Pell Grants could be eligible for an additional $10,000 cancellation.

If this describes you, you can apply today and up until December 31 of next year (2023) by visiting https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief/application.

Note: The administration has recommended that people apply by November 15, 2022, in order to have the form processed before January, when the pause on federal student loan payments will end.

It’s a simple form that does not require accompanying documents. Applications will be reviewed by the Education Department’s Federal Student Aid office, which will reach out if they need any supporting documents later.

This debt relief applies to loan balances from before June 30, 2022.

Millions of people in the U.S. will benefit from this one-time federal student education loan cancellation. But we’re going to keep fighting for millions more who need more debt cancellation and for people paying loans that started this July.

This is just the beginning of tackling our country’s debt crisis. Thank you to the anti-debt activists who have made this moment possible!

In solidarity,

Rashida

P.S. Please beware of scams related to debt relief. Here’s what the Biden administration noted online:

“You might be contacted by a company saying they will help you get loan discharge, forgiveness, cancellation, or debt relief for a fee. You never have to pay for help with your federal student aid. Make sure you work only with ED and our loan servicers, and never reveal your personal information or account password to anyone.

Our emails to borrowers come from [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected]. You can report scam attempts to the Federal Trade Commission by calling 1-877-382-4357 or by visiting reportfraud.ftc.gov.”