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Forgiveness of Stafford Loans
Your entire student loan, or a portion of your obligation, may be cancelled (forgiven) for several reasons. Contact your loan holder (lender) to obtain the forms needed to apply for loan forgiveness based on the following conditions.

You may qualify for total or partial loan forgiveness if:

  • The school closed within 90 days of your enrollment and you were unable to finish your program of study (School Closure )
  • The school did not properly qualify your status before you began studies (False Certification/Disqualifying Status)
  • You did not receive a refund that was due to you. (Unpaid Refund)                      
  • Your signature was forged (Unauthorized Signature/Unauthorized Payment)
  • The school did not properly evaluate your ability to benefit from the coursework before you began your studies (False Certification of Ability to Benefit)
  • You become totally and permanently disabled or die (Total and Permanent Disability Cancellation Request)
  • You meet the requirements of the Federal Childcare Providers program (Childcare Provider Loan Forgiveness Application)
  • You qualify for the Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Your loan is discharged due to bankruptcy (typically, student loans are not dischargeable in a bankruptcy). Consult your legal counsel

Your loan cannot be discharged solely because you believe that the school:

  • Provided poor training or had unqualified instructors or inadequate equipment
  • Did not provide job placement or other services that it promised, or engaged in fraudulent activities (other than falsely certifying the loan)

Click here for more information about any of these programs. 

If you believe you are eligible for loan forgiveness, contact the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) or call 1.800.899.4722, ext. 3. The State of Illinois also offers help with loan repayment for Illinois residents who qualify based on certain eligibility requirements. Further details are provided in the Loan Repayment/Forgiveness section of the Student Zone.

Unable to Make Your Payments

If you are unable to make your monthly payments, contact your lender immediately to avoid default by considering alternative repayment options. In addition to loan forgiveness, deferment or forbearance may be options, depending upon your circumstances.

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Printable version
Borrowing Basics
 Interest Rates
 Rights And Responsibilities for Stafford Loans
 Entrance/Exit Counseling
 Repayment of Stafford Loans
 Loan Repayment Calculator
 Repayment Options for Stafford Loans
 Deferment of Stafford Loans
 Forbearance of Stafford Loans
 Forgiveness of Stafford Loans
 Consolidation of Federal Loans
 Default of Federal Student Loans
 Closed Colleges Information
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