Veterans, public service workers, or those who worked for a non-profit agency could have their federal student loans forgiven. 

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul reminds Illinoisans to complete an online application for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness limited waiver. Raoul encourages Illinoisans to apply before the waiver expires October 31st. 

The first step towards loan forgiveness is to go to the Federal Student Aid website, studentaid.gov, and log in to your account. You should then submit an Employment Certification Form. 

Once completed, submit the ECR to the federal student loan servicer MOHELA. You and your employer’s human resources department must sign it before you send it to MOHELA.

The waiver only applies to direct federal loans. Any loans held by a private bank or loan service are not eligible. 

After October 31st, borrowers must make direct loan payments under an income-driven repayment plan.

Raoul says thousands of federal student loan borrowers have used the waiver. Borrowers can receive credit for repayment periods that previously wouldn’t have counted. Such situations include late or unmade payments, payments not made in full, or if the borrower did not have a qualifying repayment plan. 

He thanks the thousands of student loan borrowers for their public service. 

Raoul encourages student borrowers to contact federal student aid or their loan service with any questions. You can also call the Attorney General’s Student Loan Helpline at 1-800-455-2456 or 1-800-964-3013