The Dream That Started It All
Imagine working hard to be the first in your family to go to college. You graduate with big dreams—and big student loans. Then the pandemic hits. Payments are paused, giving you just enough breathing room to get by. Maybe you’re caring for family, working two jobs, or dealing with medical bills. For a moment, there’s relief.
The Bills Are Back—And So Is the Pressure
Now, that pause is over. The bills are back. And you’re not ready and have no idea if you qualify for any student loan forgiveness.
This is the reality for millions of Americans. And it’s not because they’re irresponsible—it’s because the system is overwhelming, confusing, and unforgiving. The article from TICAS isn’t just about policy—it’s about people. People who worked hard and played by the rules now face the threat of default—not due to laziness, but because they never received the tools or support they needed.
Student Loan Default Isn’t Just Words—It’s a Weight
Default isn’t just a financial term. It’s a cloud that hangs over someone’s life. It means damaged credit, lost tax refunds, and wage garnishment. It means putting dreams on hold—again. For young parents, it’s the difference between paying the loan or buying groceries. For recent grads, it’s the fear that all their effort was for nothing.
There Is a Way Forward
But there’s hope. Plans like SAVE adjust payments based on income, even down to $0 a month. They can make the difference between surviving and sinking. The problem? Too many people don’t know these plans exist—or can’t navigate the red tape to get into them.
A Call for Fairness and Dignity
TICAS is calling for something simple: give people a fair chance. Please ensure these repayment plans are easy to access. Tell borrowers what their options are. Ensure loan companies are held accountable when they do not provide assistance. And above all, treat borrowers with dignity, not as numbers.
Every Student Loan Is a Life
Behind every loan lies a person with a story, a struggle, and a future worth protecting.
For more detailed information, you can read the full article here.
More articles:
Student loan borrowers at risk of garnished wages: What to know. The Hill, 4/23/25
Diane is a well respected Arizona bankruptcy and foreclosure attorney. As a retired law professor, she believes in offering everyone, not just her clients, advice about bankruptcy and Arizona foreclosure laws. Diane is also a mentor to hundreds of Arizona attorneys.
*Important Note from Diane: Everything on this web site is offered for educational purposes only and not intended to provide legal advice, nor create an attorney client relationship between you, me, or the author of any article. Information in this web site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from an attorney familiar with your personal circumstances and licensed to practice law in your state. Make sure to check out their reviews.*
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