Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Education Department Says 802,730 IDR Applications Remain Pending After 328,000 Denials

Officials cite an application 'ambiguity' over plan selection that left many borrowers in costlier status.

Overview

  • A Dec. 15 court filing shows 327,955 requests to enter income-driven repayment were rejected in August, with 802,730 applications awaiting decisions as of Nov. 30.
  • The department said many denials resulted from an "unforeseen ambiguity" when borrowers requested the "lowest monthly payment" and two plans produced identical bills.
  • Only 170 IDR cancellations and 280 Public Service Loan Forgiveness discharges were processed in November, according to the filing.
  • The disclosures come from status reports the agency must submit under a settlement with the American Federation of Teachers.
  • The department confirmed it will begin garnishing wages of borrowers in default in early January.