School Service Center FAQs: Forgiveness, Cancellation, and Discharge

Q: When can federal student loans be forgiven, cancelled, or discharged?

A: Borrowers must repay their loans, even if they don’t complete their education, can’t find a job related to their program of study, or are unhappy with the education they paid for with their loans. However, certain circumstances may lead to loans being forgiven, cancelled, or discharged. The chart below is a quick view of the types of forgiveness, cancellation, and discharge.

If you have specific questions regarding forgiveness, cancellation, and discharge, feel free to contact your Regional Director.

Dana Kelly, Trainer and Southern Regional Director, Nelnet Partner Solutions