Blog For IndividualsThe Student Loan Payment Pause: Key Facts and Next Steps

Understanding the Student Loan Payment Pause: Facts and Implications

Navigate the Student Loan Pause: Crucial Insights for a Seamless Restart

Updated: Jul 17, 2023 • 3 min read

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Key Takeaways

The Student Loan Payment Pause and its Scope: The federal government has implemented a student loan payment pause due to the financial strain of the COVID-19 pandemic. Importantly, this pause only applies to federal student loans, not private ones. Interest on the federal student loans is not accruing during this pause.
Implications of the Pause: Despite the temporary relief of the pause, it isn't a loan forgiveness. Borrowers should anticipate potential variable interest rates when the pause ends leading to possibly higher monthly payments. They're responsible for paying back their loans post the pause, and any missed payments will need to be reconciled.
Preparing for the Restart: Borrowers can prepare for the restart of payments by communicating with their loan providers, reviewing current rates, considering repayment benefits with their employers, and resorting to fundraising platforms like Paidly’s Friends Helping Friends.

After three years, Federal student loan forbearance has official end date: August 30, 2023.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant financial strain on many individuals, including those with student loans. In response to this, the federal government implemented a student loan payment pause, which has been extended several times. Here are the facts and implications of this pause and what borrowers need to know.

Facts

The student loan payment pause was first implemented in March 2020 and has been extended several times. The current extension is set to expire on August 29, 2023. During this time, borrowers with federal student loans are not required to make payments, and interest is not accruing on their loans.

However, it is important to note that this pause only applies to federal student loans. Private student loans are not included in this pause, and borrowers should contact their loan providers to discuss their options.

Implications

While the student loan payment pause has provided much-needed relief for borrowers, there are some potential implications to consider. One of the most significant is the potential for variable interest rates. When the pause ends, borrowers may see their interest rates increase, which could result in higher monthly payments.

Additionally, borrowers should be aware that the pause is not forgiveness. They will still be responsible for paying back their loans once the pause ends, and any missed payments will need to be made up. It is important for borrowers to prepare for the restart by reaching out to their loan providers, reviewing current rates, and discussing repayment as a benefit with their employers.

Preparing for the Restart

To prepare for the restart of student loan payments, borrowers should take several steps. First, they should reach out to their loan providers to discuss their options and ensure that they are prepared for the restart. They should also review their current interest rates and payment plans to ensure that they are still the best options for their financial situation.

Another option for borrowers is to discuss repayment as a benefit with their employers. Some employers offer student loan repayment assistance as part of their benefits package, which can help employees pay down their loans faster.

Finally, borrowers can utilize fundraising platforms like Paidly’s Friends Helping Friends to help pay down their loans. Paidly allows borrowers to create a fundraising campaign and share it with their friends and family, who can then donate to help them pay down their loans.

Conclusion

The student loan payment pause has provided much-needed relief for borrowers during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is important for borrowers to understand the facts and implications of this pause and prepare for the restart of payments. By reaching out to loan providers, reviewing current rates, discussing repayment as a benefit with employers, and utilizing fundraising platforms, borrowers can better prepare for the restart and manage their student loan debt.

Team Paidly

Paidly is a Student Loan Repayment Benefit platform. Leveraging over a decade and a half of Fintech, student loan origination, and refinancing experience. Paidly specializes in creating custom student loan repayment benefit plans, designed specifically to allow employers to pay directly towards their employees' student loans. Paidly's system requires no integration and enhances talent attraction and employee retention.

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