In response to the economic impact of COVID-19, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act encompasses a number of provisions that offer relief for student loan borrowers.
If you have a student loan, here's what you need to know.
How Does the CARES Act Help Student Loan Borrowers?
Interest and required payments on federal student loans owned by the U.S. Department of Education will be automatically suspended, without penalty, through September 30, 2020. If, however, you wish to continue making repayments on your loan, you may do so.
When Is the Interest Waiver Effective? Retroactive to March 13, 2020, and effective through September 30, 2020, interest on applicable federal student loans will not accrue.
What Type of Loan Is Included?
Federal student loans owned by the U.S. Department of Education are included. Excluded from this relief program are federal student loans held by a commercial lender or by a school directly. Private student loans are also excluded.
Will the Monthly Payment Be Lower for Those Who Continue to Make Payments?
No. If you choose to continue making monthly loan payments, your payment amount will remain the same. Due to the interest waiver, however, more of your monthly payments made during the suspension period will apply to the principal balance of your loan.
Is Action Needed to Receive the Relief?
No. The interest waiver and suspension of required payments will be applied to the applicable federal student loan accounts automatically through your loan service provider.
How Does the CARES Act Affect Loan Forgiveness Programs?
There is good news for individuals working toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF). Despite the suspension of required payments, each month through September 2020 will count toward the PSLF program. For teachers in the TLF program who are unable to finish the teaching year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the partial year will count as a full year.
Will Debt Collection Be Suspended?
Yes. Debt collection for federal student loans owned by the U.S. Department of Education is suspended until September 30, 2020. This suspension applies to garnishments on wages, tax refunds, and social security benefits.
Does the CARES Act Include an Employee Benefit?
As a tax-free employee benefit, employers can elect to pay up to $5,250 as a student loan repayment. This amount will not be considered taxable income to the employee. It is applicable to student loan payments made after the signing of the CARES Act on March 27, 2020, and before January 1, 2021. The $5,250 total includes both repayment of student debt and education assistance benefits excluded from employee's income for the calendar year.
How Can Borrowers Get Assistance or Additional Information?
Additional information about student loans is available on the U.S. Department of Education website (ed.gov) and through your loan service provider. We're happy to help you make the best decision for your situation—contact us today.
This material has been provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute either tax or legal advice. Although we go to great lengths to make sure our information is accurate and useful, we recommend you consult a tax preparer, professional tax advisor, or lawyer. © Copyright 2020 Commonwealth Financial Network®
Sara Romaine is a financial advisor at Blue Hills Wealth Management. BHWM is located at 300 Crown Colony Drive, Quincy MA. Sara can be reached at 617-471-6800 or sara@bluehillswm.com. Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network, Member, FINRA/SIPC a registered investment advisor. Fixed insurance products and services and College Planning services offered by Blue Hills Wealth Management and College Funding Solutions are separate and unrelated to Commonwealth.
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