“Almost 1 in 4 borrowers were getting ready to be in default or at risk already. About 2.6 million borrowers were already in this risk factor. So what we want to make sure this on-ramp process is safe for borrowers. We don't want to widen that gap,” said Jaylon Herbin, the director of Federal Campaigns for CRL. Herbin says there are things borrowers can do to ease the stress of these payments. First, know your loan servicer because many of them changed during the pandemic. Second, confirm your balance, interest rate and monthly payment. That information is available in your online account. Third, do research and figure out what programs you may qualify for, including potential loan forgiveness programs for people in public service. Lastly, see if an income-driven repayment plan would help your situation.
