How to Get Your Student Loans Discharged Through Borrower Defense
If you were misled by your university or educational program, you may be eligible to have your student loans discharged through borrower defense. Borrower defense is a legal process that allows borrowers to have their federal student loans canceled if the school engaged in certain misconduct.
Step 1: Determine if you qualify for borrower defense.
To qualify for borrower defense, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- You must have borrowed federal student loans to attend the school.
- The school must have engaged in misconduct, such as misrepresenting the cost of attendance, the quality of the education, or the job prospects of graduates.
- The school's misconduct must have caused you financial harm.
Step 2: Gather evidence to support your claim.
Once you have determined that you qualify for borrower defense, you need to gather evidence to support your claim. This evidence may include:
- Transcripts
- Enrollment agreements
- Financial aid records
- Promotional materials from the school
- Correspondence with the school
- Affidavits from other witnesses
Step 3: Complete a Borrower Defense to Repayment Application.
You can download the Borrower Defense to Repayment Application from the Federal Student Aid website. The application requires you to provide detailed information about your experience at the school, as well as the evidence that supports your claim.
Step 4: Submit your application to the Department of Education.
You can submit your application electronically or by mail. The mailing address is:
U.S. Department of Education Borrower Defense to Repayment Program P.O. Box 1623 Winchester, VA 22604-1623
Step 5: Wait for a decision from the Department of Education.
The Department of Education will review your application and make a decision about whether to discharge your student loans. If your application is approved, the Department of Education will notify you and your loan servicer. Your loan servicer will then discharge your loans.
Step 6: Contact your Senators or Congresspersons for assistance if needed.
If you are having trouble getting your student loans discharged through borrower defense, you can contact your Senators or Congresspersons for assistance. They have caseworkers who can help you with federal agencies, including the Department of Education.
Here are some additional tips for getting your student loans discharged through borrower defense:
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