Struggling with federal student loan payments? Explore a smarter approach!

**Skip Federal Student Loan Payments Without Financial Consequences for a Year**

Borrowers who are concerned about their ability to afford their federal student loan payments starting in October have a unique option available to them. They can choose to skip their payments for a full year without any negative impact on their finances. The Biden administration has introduced a one-year grace period for borrowers, which will be in effect from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024. During this period, interest will continue to accumulate on the loan balances, but it will not be capitalized. This means that the unpaid interest will not be added to the principal balance, avoiding the creation of a larger balance and additional interest. Missed payments during this grace period will not be reported to credit bureaus, and borrowers will not be labeled as delinquent if they choose not to make payments.

**Relief for Borrowers Struggling with Payments**

The one-year grace period will provide much-needed relief for households that are unable to afford the average monthly payments of around $400. This will allow borrowers to focus on paying off other high-interest debts, such as credit card balances, which exceeded $1 trillion for the first time last quarter. It will also help borrowers make ends meet during challenging financial times. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, one in five borrowers may struggle to make their payments when they resume.

**Partial Payments Recommended**

While the grace period offers borrowers the option to skip their payments, it is advisable for those who can afford to make partial payments to do so. Paying a portion of the monthly bill will prevent the accumulation of additional interest. However, borrowers should note that skipping payments will not result in actions such as being sent to collections.

Jacob Channel, a senior economist at LendingTree, advises borrowers to make some payment towards their loan if they can, as it is a better strategy than paying nothing. This will help keep interest more manageable, making loan repayment less challenging and expensive in the long run.

**Positive Impact on the Economy**

The one-year grace period can also have positive implications for the economy. Some experts have predicted a potential “student loan cliff,” as millions of households may have hundreds of dollars less to spend each month on non-loan expenses. By delaying repayments even further, some households will be able to continue spending in other areas, thereby supporting economic growth.

**Background and the On Ramp to Repayment**

The Biden administration introduced the “on ramp” to repayment after the U.S. Supreme Court blocked its plan for widespread student loan forgiveness. The forgiveness plan would have canceled up to $20,000 in debt for most federal borrowers. As an alternative, President Biden unveiled a new income-driven repayment (IDR) plan that aims to lower monthly payments for many borrowers. This option provides some relief to those who are struggling to make their payments.

**Enrollment in Income-Driven Repayment Plans**

Jacob Channel emphasizes the importance of enrolling in an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan for borrowers who genuinely cannot afford their loan payments. By opting for an IDR plan, borrowers can make their payments in full and on time, with less concern about accumulating extra interest.

In summary, borrowers facing difficulty in affording their federal student loan payments have the option to skip payments without any financial consequences for a year. This one-year grace period allows borrowers to focus on other high-interest debts or meet their basic financial needs. While it is advisable for borrowers to make partial payments if they can, the grace period provides relief by preventing negative actions and repercussions. Furthermore, the grace period may positively impact the economy by allowing households to continue spending in non-loan areas. The Biden administration’s income-driven repayment (IDR) plan offers an alternative for borrowers struggling with repayment. Enrolling in an IDR plan can help manage payments and mitigate the accumulation of additional interest.