Strengthening Loan Forgiveness for Public Service Workers Act

The "Strengthening Loan Forgiveness for Public Service Workers Act" proposes significant amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965, specifically targeting the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Its primary goal is to provide more accessible and incremental loan forgiveness for individuals employed in public service jobs. This legislation aims to modify the existing framework to offer earlier relief to borrowers. For eligible Federal Direct Loans made after the bill's enactment, the Secretary of Education would implement a new system of percentage-based loan cancellation . Borrowers engaged in public service would see 15 percent of their original loan amount canceled after 24 qualifying monthly payments. This incremental forgiveness continues, with an additional 15 percent canceled after 48, 72, and 96 monthly payments, totaling 60 percent forgiveness over eight years. Upon completing 120 monthly payments while employed in public service, the remaining balance of principal and interest on the eligible Federal Direct Loan would be fully canceled. The bill also streamlines the employment certification process, allowing the Secretary to confirm eligibility without borrower submission if possible, or through a simplified self-certification and employer verification form. Furthermore, it ensures that all interest accruing during any year a portion of the loan is canceled, as well as interest during the cancellation review period, will also be forgiven.