Do you have federal student loans?
Do have federal Parent PLUS loans?
Do you have family or friends burdened with student loan debt?
If you answered, “Yes!” to any of the above then Degrees Not Debt is for you! The National Education Association recognizes the burden student loans debt is putting on public educators and developed a campaign called “Degrees Not Debt.” This campaign is intended to inform student loan borrowers of their rights and options in the repayment process. Many borrowers are unaware of their eligibility for programs that can make their monthly payment affordable and provide loan forgiveness.
What is Degrees Not Debt and how does it work?
5 Steps to Kick Student Debt
- Step 1: PledgeEvery American deserves a fair shot at higher education, but student debt has become a barrier to accessing the American Dream. Raise your voice for college affordability.
Take the pledge - Step 2: Get a Federal Student Aid IDWhy? It provides you access to your Federal Student Aid and Loan records and allows you to apply for lower student loan repayment programs.
Get your FSA ID - Step 3: PaymentAre you an educator or education support professional eligible for lower payments? There are different plans that may help you lower your monthly student loan repayments. The most common are Income Based Repayment (IBR), Income Contingent Repayment (ICR) and the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) plans. Many other plans exist that could potentially save you money. A calculator is available to help you find out which one is right for you. If you are ready to get started sign in and complete a repayment plan request.
Sign into StudentLoans.gov - Step 4: Public Service Loan ForgivenessDo you want to be in the best position to have your student loans forgiven after working 10 years in public service?Borrowers who work in public service jobs (such as education) often qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This means that loans could be completely forgiven after ten years of working and making payments. Use the Employment Certification for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) form to keep track of your eligible employment and qualifying loan payments.Download and complete the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Employment Certification Form. Make a copy for your records then mail or fax the form to FedLoan Servicing. Your form will be reviewed and based on the information provided by your employer, determine whether you qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
- Step 5: Promote Degrees Not DebtStart and advance the conversations about NEA Degrees Not Debt and solutions to college affordability and student debt.
- Talk about Degrees Not Debt with your colleagues, friends, students & parents
- Support NEA recommended solutions / pass resolutions calling for college affordability
- Write a letter to the editor or opinion piece in a local newspaper
- Contact senators and congressional representatives at NEA/Legislative Action Center
- Visit NEA Degrees Not Debt
Department of Education Public Service Loan Forgiveness Help Tool – Walkthrough
Access the Department of Education PSLF Help Tool here.
The final Public Service Loan Forgiveness Application for Forgiveness has been released by the Department of Education. Complete this application after your 120 qualifying payments.
IEA Education Support Professional Council 