Frequently Asked Questions

 Welcome to my Student Loan FAQ page! We’ve compiled the most up-to-date and important information for parents, veterans, and borrowers navigating the complex world of student loan discharge and forgiveness. If you have further questions, please [book a consultation] — we’re here to help.

GENERAL FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN QUESTIONS

Q: What types of federal student loans are eligible for forgiveness or discharge?

A: Most federal loans are eligible for some type of relief, including:

• Direct Loans (including Parent PLUS Loans)
• FFEL Loans (if consolidated into a Direct Loan)
• Perkins Loans (in limited circumstances)

PARENT PLUS LOAN-SPECIFIC QUESTIONS

Q: Can Parent PLUS Loans be forgiven or discharged?

A: Yes, Parent PLUS Loans can be:

• Discharged in cases of death, total and permanent disability (TPD), or school closure.
• Forgiven through Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) if consolidated into a Direct Loan and repaid for 25 years.
• Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) if the parent works full-time for a qualifying employer and meets other PSLF requirements after consolidating the loan into a Direct Loan.

Q: Can Parent PLUS Loans be discharged due to the student’s disability?

A: No. Only the borrower’s (parent’s) total and permanent disability qualifies a Parent PLUS Loan for TPD discharge. The child’s disability does not qualify the parent’s loan for discharge.

TOTAL AND PERMANENT DISABILITY (TPD) DISCHARGE

Q: Who qualifies for a TPD discharge?

A: You may qualify if you are:

• A veteran with a 100% VA disability rating or determined to be unemployable
• Receiving SSDI/SSI with a review period of 5–7 years
• Certified by a licensed physician as unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due to a physical or mental condition expected to last at least 60 months or result in death

Q: Does TPD discharge cover Parent PLUS Loans?

A: Yes, if the parent borrower is disabled and meets the TPD criteria, they may apply to have the loan discharged.

Q: How do I apply for a TPD discharge?

A: You can apply through disabilitydischarge.ed.gov or call Nelnet at 1-888-303-7818. Documentation is required from the VA, SSA, or a physician.

Q: Will I have to pay taxes on my discharged loan?

A: No. As of the current law, student loan discharges due to disability are not considered taxable income through 2025 — and efforts are underway to make this permanent.

VETERANS: DISCHARGE & FORGIVENESS OPTIONS

Q: I’m a veteran rated 100% disabled by the VA. Do I qualify for loan discharge?

A: Yes. Veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled (or unemployable) can receive a TPD discharge of their federal student loans, including Parent PLUS Loans they borrowed for their children.

Q: What documentation do I need as a veteran?

A: You need a VA letter stating:

• You are totally and permanently disabled, OR
• You are unemployable due to a service-connected condition

Nelnet typically receives this information automatically from the VA, but you can submit it directly if needed.

Q: Can my child’s loans be forgiven because I am a disabled veteran?

A: No. Your veteran status and disability discharge apply only to your own federal loans, including any Parent PLUS Loans you borrowed, but not your child’s loans.

PROCESS & TIMELINE

Q: How long does a TPD discharge take?

A: If documentation is complete:

• Decisions are typically made within 30–90 days
• Loans are placed in forbearance during review

Q: What happens after discharge?

A: There is a 3-year monitoring period (for SSA or physician-certified applications). If your income exceeds the limit, the loans may be reinstated. This does not apply to veterans discharged through the VA.

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR PARENTS & VETERANS

• Don’t consolidate Parent PLUS Loans unless you understand the impact — some forgiveness options require it, others don’t.
• Keep copies of all disability or VA paperwork. These documents are critical in applying for discharge.
• TPD discharge is different from Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Make sure you’re applying for the right program.
• Don’t pay for help with TPD — the application is free, but we offer coaching or document prep support if you need help.

NEED HELP?

Student loan rules are complex, and the process can be overwhelming. That’s what I'm here for.

[Book a 1-on-1 consultation now] for personalized support with TPD discharge, Parent PLUS loan strategies, or veteran-specific forgiveness options.