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# The Student Loan Lawyer - Attorney Joshua Cohen

For all of your student loan issues.

## Sitemaps

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## Posts

- [The Student Loan Lawyer's Blog - because you really should know...](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/blog/)
- [Josh Talks With NPR on Lawsuits for Private Student Loans](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/940/npr-lawsuits-community-college/) - WNYC Radio's The Takeaway recently launched a year-long conversation about community colleges. On Thursday, November 19, 2015 I had the privilege of sitting down with John Hockenberry, the host of the show, to discuss a problem faced by those who decide to opt for a community college as a more affordable alternative than four-year institutions.
- [PSLF Waiver Spousal Consolidation](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1074/pslf-waiver-spousal-consolidation/) - PSLF Waiver for Spousal Consolidation Loans Finally, there is a method to get the PSLF waiver for Spousal (joint) consolidation loans. This video is not about how to split the loan. It is ONLY for PSLF waiver qualification. When the process for splitting spousal consolidations is announced, another video will be posted. https://youtu.be/AJUZWttzqmI Click here
- [$10,000 to $20,000 Forgiveness, Forbearance Extension, and a New IDR Plan](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1072/forgivness-forbearance-and-new-idr/) - The administration announced an extension to the CARES Act forbearance until December 31, 2022. Forgiveness of $10,000 to $20,000 will be available for loans held by the Department of Education. A new IDR plan has been suggested that could really help borrowers with just undergraduate loans. Watch the video to learn more!
- [The Navient $1.7 Billion Discharge Settlement](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1063/the-navient-1-7-billion-discharge-settlement/) - 38 States Attorney Generals (and DC) have reached a $1.8 Billion settlement deal with Navient. Here are the details. (Settlement not yet approved by the Court). Once you've watched the video, take a quick survey to see if you qualify under the settlement.
- [McDaniel v Navient 10th Circuit Appeals](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1059/mcdaniel-v-navient-10th-circuit-appeals/) - The 10th circuit court of appeals confirmed the discharge of $200,000 private student loans. How big a deal is this? Let me explain. https://www.facebook.com/TheStudentLoanLawyer/videos/626384491640896/
- [Borrower Defense to Repayment (DTR)](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1053/borrower-defense-to-repayment-dtr/) - A detailed discussion of the Borrower Defense to Repayment (DTR). Whistleblower: Dept. Of Education Deliberately Thwarted Loan Forgiveness Process - Forbes
- [IDR is a Tool to Get your Life Back](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1051/idr-is-a-tool-to-get-your-life-back/) - Let's talk about Income Driven Repayment (IDR). Let's start living again!
- [Borrower Defense to Repayment Failure](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1050/borrower-defense-to-repayment-failure/) - The Borrower Defense to Repayment process is failing. I also mention a new resource for spousal consolidation loans.
- [Is My Spouse Responsible for My Student Loan?](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1047/is-my-spouse-responsible-for-my-student-loan/) - Your spouse's income should not be a factor in your Federal Income Driven Repayment Plan. Here's a quick discussion about that.
- [Military PSLF and Are Loans Worth It?](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1042/military-pslf-loans-worth-it/) - Discussion for how the military can take advantage of Federal Student Loan programs. I also answer the question about taking student loans to pursue a Master's degree.
- [Discharge, IDR, and Closed For-Profit Schools](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1041/discharge-idr-and-closed-for-profit-schools/) - Today I took questions from the audience. Topics include bankruptcy discharge, IDR and growing balances, and a bit about closed for-profit schools.
- [How to Get Rid of Your Student Loan](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1039/how-to-get-rid-of-your-student-loan/) - Everyone wants to get rid of their student loans. Let's talk about how you can do that.
- [Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) works!](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1035/public-service-loan-forgiveness-pslf-works/) - Student Loan Talk - PSLF really does work. Let's talk about it!
- [Student Loan Talk - General All Around Discussion](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1034/student-loan-talk-general-all-around-discussion/) - A lot was covered in just 20 minutes. From Presidential ability to forgive, sueing Congress for bankruptcy protection, and of course, the CARES act. Watch and feel free to add comments.
- [Private Student Loan Protection and Credit Reporting Discussion](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1032/private-student-loan-protection-and-credit-reporting-discussion/) - Today I discussed private student loan protections through State Government action, and quote a bit about credit reports too.
- [CARES Act, Biden, and Defense to Repayment](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1031/cares-act-biden-and-defense-to-repayment/) - Updates on student loans via the CARES Act, Biden's forgiveness proposal, and Defense to Repayment applications to be processed.
- [Student Loan Protection under the CARES Act](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1029/student-loan-protection-under-the-cares-act/) - Today I discuss CARES Act protections for student loans, which loans qualify, and also point out an important issue with IDR recertification.
- [COVID-19 Update Video](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1021/covid-19-update-video/) - If you'd like to read some specifics discussed in this video, please check out the blog for those with loans in good standing or the blog regarding defaulted loans.
- [COVID-19 Stimulus Package: Video Q&A](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1028/covid-19-stimulus-package-video-qa/) - Today I answered questions regarding the Stimulus Package as it relates to student loans.
- [Covid-19 Stimulus Package: FFEL Loans](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1024/covid-19-stimulus-package-ffel-loans/) - What is an FFEL Loan? An FFEL (Federal Family Education Loan program) loan is a federal student loan that was originated (funded) by an entity other than the US Education Department (USED). It could be a bank or a credit union (Sallie Mae, Chase, Wells Fargo, etc.), or even a guarantee agency (VSAC, Great Lakes,
- [Covid-19 Stimulus Package: Direct Loans](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1023/covid-19-stimulus-package-direct-loans/) - What is a Direct Loan? A Direct Loan means the money was borrowed Directly from the US Education Department (USED). No middleman. The loan will always be held by USED. When in good standing, a servicer helps USED collect by sending bills and offer affordable payment plans and/or forbearance and deferments. When in default, a
- [Covid-19 Stimulus Package: Perkins Loans](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1025/covid-19-stimulus-package-perkins-loans/) - What is a Perkins Loan? A Perkins loan is money given by your school. It is considered a Federal student loan because the money was given to the school by the US Education Department (USED). The school lends the money, owns the loan, may hire a servicer to collect when the loan is in good
- [Covid-19 Stimulus Package: Private Loans](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1026/covid-19-stimulus-package-private-loans/) - What is a Private Student Loan? A private student loan is a loan originated by any bank, credit union, or even a guarantee agency. It is NOT insured by the US Education Department (USED). And of course, it is not originated by USED. It’s no different than any other loan you would get from a
- [Covid-19 Stimulus Package Help Based on Student Loan Type](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1022/covid-19-stimulus-package-help-based-on-student-loan-type/) - The stimulus package has lots of facets, including student loan protections. The question you might be asking is, “How will it help me, the student loan borrower?” The real question should be DOES it help you, the student loan borrower. Because guess what, the stimulus does not help all student loan borrowers. At the bottom
- [Covid-19 and Student Loans - Update](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1020/covid-19-and-student-loans-update/) - Today, March 25, 2020, the US Education Department (USED) rolled out protections for defaulted loans. It's quite simple. No more collection activity on defaulted loans held by USED. As I said in my previous post on this subject, loans held by USED are Direct Loans and some defaulted FFEL loans that have been turned over
- [Covid-19 and Student Loans](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1019/covid-19-and-student-loans/) - Let's get right to the point. We're all at a place of flux, as are our finances. The main question, what do to with student loans now that there are things being suggested, ordered, and such. Let's clear the clutter and state exactly what is going on as of today - March 23, 2020. Federal
- [Married Doesn't Mean Joining Finances all the Time.](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1013/married-doesnt-mean-joining-finances-all-the-time/) - Congratulations! You said, "I do!" Oh, the things that follow "I do". Sometimes it's "I don't", or "I won't". Hopefully, it's not "I shouldn't have". I'm talking purely student loans here. Recently I was quoted in a story by Nerd Wallet, titled "Should your student loans and your spouse’s get hitched?" And of course, it's
- [Don't turn your Federal Loans Private!](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/1009/dont-turn-your-federal-loans-private/) - Today's video talks about the pros and cons of refinancing a Federal Student Loan with a Private lender. https://youtu.be/MNWXgZcushk
- [Student Loans and Credit Reports](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/968/student-loans-and-credit-reports/) - With all the recent press about credit reporting company Equifax's major data breach, now's a good time to discuss the intersection of student loans and credit reports. It's not uncommon to have questions about how student loans affect credit, so lets sort the myths from the facts. What Shows on a Credit Report? Federal and
- [Introduction to Income Repayment Plans](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/992/introduction-to-income-repayment-plans/) - Quick overview of Federal Loan repayment plans based on income: IDR, IBR, ICR, PAYE, New IBR, and REPAYE. Plus, I sing!
- [Federal Tax Refund Intercepts](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/980/federal-tax-refund-intercepts/) - Today I'm talking about Federal tax refund intercepts. If you're in default, you may not receive your Federal tax refund. Find out why and how to avoid it.
- [PSLF Application and the Big Bug](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/965/pslf-application-and-the-big-bug/) - It's here! Finally! The long awaited application for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). True to Dept. of Ed fashion, it has one big bug in it. The kind that you don't want to step on because you know it'll be messy. But first, lets discuss what PSLF is, and then we can look at the
- [Post-Election Chopping Block](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/961/post-election-chopping-block/) - Regardless of your emotional response to the election results, the question on your mind now is, "Now what?". Will student loan programs be axed? Will some be saved? The door is wide open to possibilities, but lets start with what the new President can and can't do. There are issues that are within his control,
- [ITT Loan Escape Plans](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/957/itt-loan-escape-plans/) - If you're an ITT student, or know one, you know that ITT is closed effective September 6, 2016. No matter how it went down, the question you want answered now is what to do about your student loans. The short answer is, I really don't know. What follows is my suggestions, as The Student Loan
- [6 Lies Told by Student Loan Assistance Scamsters](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/935/scamster-lies/) - I took a phone call today from a "student loan assistance company" on my personal phone. As the Student Loan Lawyer, I was intrigued. Perhaps the gentleman on the other end of the line had valuable information. After all, companies such as his are making a splash with student loan borrowers these days. After just
- [Victims of 9/11 Student Loan Forgiveness](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/929/911-victims-student-loan-forgiveness/) - Spouses of 9/11 victims and first responders may be able to get their federal student loans forgiven. The benefit, created in 2006 yet largely unpublicized, was passed without fanfare or press coverage. As time passes the benefit is of less significance, but for those it may help the power is undeniable. Basically, it's for the
- [The Lies They Tell In a Student Loan Relief Scam Business](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/836/student-loan-relief-scam/) - Want to start a student loan relief business? According to a recent ad that will give you all the tools to do just that, you can learn the tricks that let you cut someone's private student loan payment by more than 50%. Clients who sign up for this program apparently also get a written guarantee and credit restoration included.
- [Beware the Nightmare of Federal Joint Consolidation Loans](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/247/beware-the-nightmare-loan-federal-joint-consolidatoin-loans/) - Divorce is messy, but it's even worse if you've got a joint federal student loan consolidation. The Federal Joint Consolidation Loan was offered from the late '90s to the mid 2000's, and allowed married couples to consolidate their Federal student loans. It seemed like a good idea to someone who clearly didn't realize that sometimes
- [Under Pressure, Government Offers Corinthian College Student Loan Debt Relief](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/842/corinthian-student-loan-debt-relief-maybe/) - On June 8, 2015, the Department of Education (ED) announced forgiveness for students attending Corinthian Schools - the for-profit chain that recently fell like the house of cards that it was. It all started in May 2104 when Corinthian missed a deadline to provide a number of requested documents to the U.S. Department of Education. The
- [What's the Most Reliable Way to Get Information About Your Federal Student Loans?](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/840/nslds_reports/) - The National Student Loan Data System is the first place to go when you’re trying to get information about your Federal student loans. The system is run by the U.S. Department of Education, and is completely free to use. To get into the system, go to www.NSLDS.ed.gov and log in using your FSA username and password (if
- [Student Loan Bill of Rights](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/810/student-loan-bill-of-rights/) - On March 10, 2015, President Obama introduced the Student Aid Bill of Rights; another executive action to deal with student loan debt. Read the official Memorandum. Let's take a look at some of the details. State-of-the-Art Complaint and Feedback System The President is requesting a "simple process for borrowers to file complaints...including those pertaining to
- [IBR, ICR, PAYE, and IBR. Wait, what?](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/800/ibr-icr-paye-and-ibr-wait-what/) - Dealing with Federal loans means understanding industrial acronyms. But what do you do when the same acronym means different things - or multiple acronyms mean almost the same thing. Does a letter really make a difference? You bet it does! Today we'll discuss income driven plans - repayment based on income. IBR - Income Based
- [What You Don’t Know About Student Loans Can Really Hurt!](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/796/what-you-dont-know-about-student-loans-can-really-hurt/) - IBR, ICR, and PAYE – the income driven repayment plans: These three plans, Income Based Repayment (IBR), Income Contingent Repayment (ICR), and Pay As You Earn (PAYE), are all based on your income. That means low income earners, or those on social security, can qualify for an exceptionally low monthly payment – even as low
- [Top 10 Favorite Student Loan Comments:](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/786/top-10-favorite-student-loan-comments/) - I've been doing student loan work for over 6 years now. Here is a chance for me to share some of my favorite comments I've heard over the years. Enjoy! 1) I co-signed a private student loan for my child. He/she isn't paying the loan. I want to sue them to make them pay. My
- [Treating Servicers like Potty-Training Toddlers](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/782/treating-servicers-like-potty-training-toddlers/) - This past weekend, I attended the Consumer Rights Litigation Conference put on by the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC). The opening speech was by Deputy Treasury Secretary Sarah Bloom Raskin. It was a fabulous speech about my favorite topic - student loans. Understand that the NCLC conference caters to consumer advocates, so of course, the
- [Bankruptcy is not the answer...or is it?](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/776/bankrutpcy-is-not-the-answer-or-is-it/) - When it comes to student loans, bankruptcy tends to be useless. But not always. Sometimes it can help. Sometimes it can hurt. Let's take a deeper look. Bankruptcy Helps If you have a federal student loan with a wage garnishment or social security offset, a bankruptcy can offer protection. Once a bankruptcy is filed, wage
- [Fear not the Difficulty of Discharging Student Loans in Bankruptcy](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/763/fear-not-the-difficulty-of-discharging-student-loans-in-bankruptcy/) - True or false? Discharging a student loan in bankruptcy is insanely difficult. If you answered, you're correct. True Because perception is often reality, and the perception is that discharging student loans in bankruptcy is difficult, most folks believe this, attorney and non-attorneys alike. Thus, few ever attempt to discharge student loans via bankruptcy. False The
- [Student Loan Assistance Companies Sued](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/745/student-loan-assistance-companies-sued/) - I heard Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan speak two years ago at NCLC's Consumer Rights Litigation Conference in Chicago. It was obvious then that she was very protective of consumers. So it comes as no surprise to me that she's suing two student loan assistance companies. Why Sue? The claims against the two companies, Broadsword
- [This is the end...](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/739/this-is-the-end/) - I pondered all the songs that could be appropriate for this post - ding dong the witch is dead, deadman's party, celebration time, the list goes on. But in the end, sing what you want, because it appears the death knell is ringing. Corinthian colleges is on its way out. Corinthian Colleges I posted about
- [For-Profit School Status Report](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/736/for-profit-school-status-report/) - For-profit schools are often in the news, especially when discussing student loan debt. It's a statistical truth that their students have a higher rate of default, a higher drop-out rate, and more often require private student loans. These students are also more often sub-prime borrowers. Lets take a look at the two biggies. Corinthian Colleges
- [The Problem with Senator Warren's Student Loan Bill](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/733/the-problem-with-senator-warrens-student-loan-bill/) - Senator Warren’s bill failed to gain enough support to move on from the Senate. Now that it's dead, let me tell you why I’m glad for that. This bill is a bad idea. It does little to help already struggling borrowers, and hurts more than most folks realize. Further, with President Obama’s recent executive action
- [Obama's Executive Action Falls Woefully Short](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/728/obamas-executive-action-falls-woefully-short/) - On June 9, 2014, President Obama took action to make college more affordable. Can we call this what it really it is? It’s an act to make student loans more affordable. This act in no way makes college any more affordable than it already isn’t. What the President did was expand a program he initiated
- [Student Loan Debt Crisis Symposium Review](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/650/student-loan-debt-crisis-symposium-review/) - This past Friday I attended the ABI's (American Bankruptcy Institute) Student Loan Debt Crisis Symposium. It was...um...interesting. I say that because I came in with a unique perspective, being in the trenches and all. For me, it was more review and less of an informative or "problem solving" discussion, though it certainly did end with
- [Student Loans and Military Personal](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/719/student-loans-and-military-personal/) - Yesterday was Memorial Day, so it is only proper that I discuss protections from student loans for those who serve our country. SCRA The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act has many provisions that apply to many other debts besides student loans. The important one here is the interest rate cap. All loans, including Federal and private
- [Dear ED: Clarify Undue Hardship](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/715/dear-ed-clarify-undue-hardship/) - On May 16, 2014, seven Congressmen/women sent a letter to Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, asking for clarification of "Undue Hardship" to allow Federal student loans to be discharged in bankruptcy. The signers of the letter were Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-RI) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Representatives Steve Cohen (D-TN), John Conyers
- [FDIC v Sallie Mae](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/710/fdic-v-sallie-mae/) - On May 13, 2014, two consent orders were issued: FDIC v Sallie Mae Bank and FDIC v Navient Solutions Inc. (formerly known as Sallie Mae, Inc.). These are the results of the FDIC's investigation into Sallie Mae's alleged violations of the Servicemenbers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA), Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), and
- ["Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act" in Plain English](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/705/bank-on-students-emergency-loan-refinancing-act-in-plain-english/) - Yesterday, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) introduced legislation aimed to help level the playing field for student loan borrowers. The main goal is to lower interest rates on ALL student loans (Fed and Private) to a fixed amount for the duration of the loan term. The theory being that if interest is lowered, payments would be
- [What Happens to your Student Loans when you file Bankruptcy](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/703/what-happens-to-your-student-loans-when-you-file-bankruptcy/) - If you've read anything on the internet about student loans, you know bankruptcy probably can't help you. Discharging student loan debt through bankruptcy is not impossible, but it is difficult, for two reasons: 1) The test is draconian with no objective standard, and 2) It is often cost prohibitive as a bankruptcy attorney needs (and
- [How Bankruptcy May Cause More Student Loan Problems](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/695/bankruptcy-cause-student-loan-problems/) - Beware the trip wire of default when filing for bankruptcy. When you file for bankruptcy, all collection activities must stop against you. For Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases, that protection from collections extends to co-signers and guarantors on your loans. This important consumer protection, called the automatic stay, is a cornerstone of the bankruptcy laws. For
- [Does the Government Shutdown affect Student Loan Collections?](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/691/does-the-government-shutdown-affect-student-loan-collections/) - VinothChandar / Foter / CC BYNow that the government is shut down, there is a great concern about how this affects collections of student loans, default or not. We first need to clarify that the shutdown only affects government agencies. Guarantee agencies like ECMC, Great Lakes, etc. are not affected at all. They are still
- [What do Student Loans and Foreclosures Have in Common?](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/685/what-do-student-loans-and-forclosures-have-in-common/) - If you think about it, the answer is quite obvious: both are nationwide crisis with governmental programs meant to help that utterly fail because the private sector meant to administer the cure can't do its job...PERIOD! Once again the Huffington Post nailed it with its latest article: Education Department Lets Borrowers Default On Student Loans,
- [Sallie Mae in the News...Again!](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/678/sallie-mae-in-the-news-again/) - I was trying to find a witting opening, but all I could come up with for a reference was Mustang Sally. It's not on target, but some of the lyrics could be made relevant, "All you want to do is ride around Sally, ride, Sally, ride." What's that? Sallie Mae is riding around? Well yes,
- [Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sallie](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/674/please-excuse-my-dear-aunt-sallie/) - If you remember grammar school math, you'll understand the reference. By Aunt Sallie we mean dear old Sallie Mae, the biggest fish in the student loan industry. Finally, someone in government noticed something fishy and launched an investigation. First, lets thank the Huffington Post for their article discussing this, found here. What's the real deal?
- [What Happens To A Student Loan When You Die?](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/670/what-happens-to-a-student-loan-when-you-die/) - As in marriage, student loan debt is a matter of "until death do you part." If you've got student loan debt, there are lots of options to keep yourself out of default. For some, the debt can be repaid in full before they get to the grave. Unfortunately, as student loan debt climbs to stratospheric
- [Student Loan Lawyer On KFWB Money 101](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/659/student-loan-lawyer-on-kfwb-money-101/) - On July 2, 2013 I was honored to talk with Bob McCormick of Los Angeles radio station KFWB on the subject of student loan law. We chatted about the rise in student loan interest rates on July 1, 2013, income-based repayment, and more. Listen to the show here on the website or download it to
- [Why Your Bankruptcy Lawyer Can't Hide From Student Loan Law](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/584/student-loan-law-bankruptcy-lawyers/) - Why don't lawyers who help people get out of debt know about student loans? When he filed for bankruptcy, private student loans could be wiped out without a hitch. This was in the old days, you understand - before the bankruptcy laws were overhauled in 2005. All his lawyer needed to do was list the
- [3 Easy Ways To Find Out Whether A Student Loan Is Federal Or Private](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/644/student-loan-federal-private/) - The question of "federal or private" is an important one to answer because different solutions apply based on the type of loan you've got. Federal student loans are controlled by various federal laws, and programs exist to help you manage those loans. Private student loans, on the other hand, carry with them no federally-mandated programs.
- [3 Questions You Need To Answer To Get Help With Your Student Loans](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/637/student-loan-help-questions/) - What you need to know to tackle your student loans on your own and how to recognize when you need help. When you're looking for help with your student loan problems, you've got three questions you need to answer before you can get help with your student loan problems. Some of these questions can be
- [Private Student Loan Lender to the Rescue?  Not Quite!](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/618/private-student-loan-lender-to-the-rescue-not-quite/) - The Street ran an article today which I can only hope was their attempt at an April Fool's joke. It's supposed to be a hopeful story about Sallie Mae creating a way for new borrowers to reduce their first year payments. It's a crock! You see, what Sallie Mae offers is a year of interest
- [The Get Out of Student Loan Debt Quick Craze](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/593/the-get-out-of-student-loan-debt-quick-craze/) - A Harvard business school grad paid off $90,000 in student loans in just 7 months. Awesome, or crazy? Yes that is awesome, and yes, that is crazy. Do the math and you'll quickly see that his average monthly payment was just shy of $13,000. He was able to do it because he was budget conscious
- [Why Your Defaulted Federal Student Loans Could Cost You That Tax Refund](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/219/dont-file-that-tax-return-yet/) - If you're a Federal Student Loan Borrower, and you haven't been making payments, be careful before filing your tax return. One of the collection tools available for defaulted federal student loans is called a Federal Income Tax Return Intercept. Depending on the status of your federal student loan, you may end up losing your tax
- [Not all Consumer Attorneys are the Same](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/238/not-all-consumer-attorneys-are-the-same/) - It's nearly midnight and I'm compelled to blog out of frustration. Frustration from a new client because it's not the first time I've seen this. A woman asked me to review her student loan situation to see what can be done. She is in default, she wants to get out and get her loans back
- [How the Fiscal Cliff Affects Financial Aid](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/214/how-the-fiscal-cliff-affects-financial-aid/) - I came across this article and thought I'd post for those interested. It's a very short article which answers the question, "How did the recent actions to avoid the fiscal cliff affect Financial Aid?"
- [Look, an Improved Student Loan Band-Aid](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/210/look-an-improved-student-loan-band-aid/) - Everyone else is doing it so I'll join in with my praise of the new Pay As You Earn Plan. First, I rather call it the Pay As You Earn Repayment plan - it's a better acronym - PAYER.Now then, I really don't have much praise for this plan. Don't get me wrong, it's a
- [Updated IBR Calculater...and more!](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/77/updated-ibr-calculater-and-more/) - The Income Based Repayment plan is an awesome tool for today's economically challenged times. It's a payment plan based on income only - simple and easy to understand. And now, the calculator published on the Dept. of Ed's website is also easier to understand, thanks to a major website redesign. Out with the old blue
- [My Response to Another One-Sided Opinion from Private Student Loan Lenders](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/203/my-response-to-another-one-sided-opinion-from-private-student-loan-lenders/) - An opinion in the December 26th issue of US News & World Report claims that stripping the current non-dischargability of Private student loans in bankruptcy would be counterproductive. Um....no, try again. The author states several arguments that are so easy to poke holes in, its like trying to make a damn out of Swiss cheese.

## Pages

- [Welcome to Cohen Consumer Law: Home of the Student Loan Lawyer](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/) - All we do is Student Loan Law! What is student loan law? It is anything that has to do with student loans, specifically with the rights of student loan borrowers. Wondering if you should make an appointment for a complete Student Loan Analysis? Ask yourself the following questions: Are you wondering if you qualify for
- [Services I Provide](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/services/) - My mission is to give a voice to those who are taken advantage of by student loan lenders, servicers, and debt collectors. Since 2008, I've been helping people with student loan debt live a better, happier and fuller life. I am also the founder of The Student Loan Law Workshop, where I teach attorneys how
- [Contact](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/contact/) - Getting started on a solution to your student loan problems with a free review. Start here. Simply register, then complete the intake. We'll respond with a free review of your situation which includes a link to schedule a time to discuss the details for just $250. Want to speak with the office before sharing your
- [Free Student Loan Review](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/freereview/) - Are you ready to talk with me about your student loan problem? Want a free student loan review first? Our process is simple. 1) Click here to register and complete the form. It tells us about your student loan situation. 2) After you complete the form, I'll complete your student loan review. 3) I'll respond
- [Media](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/media/) - Education and Career News - What to Know About the Legal Side of Student Loans - December 2023 Scripps News Morning Rush - September 1, 2023 https://youtu.be/76-ZWHsRK38 Fox Business - August 26, 2014 LawTalk podcast with Joshua Cohen - August 16, 2014 The Wall Street Journal - September
- [Your Appointment Is Confirmed](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/confirmed/) - Your appointment is Confirmed. Please call the office at 802-380-8887 if you have any questions, concerns, or need to reschedule.
- [Thank you for contacting me.](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/thank-you-for-contacting-me/) - We'll review your information and get in touch with you soon.
- [Vermont](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/vermont/) - Vermonters do not have to pay their federal student loans due to the weather events from July 9th. A State of Emergency was declared for Vermont. As a result, federal law mandates forbearance. The specific law is part of the Higher Education Act and the regulations, 34 CFR 682.211. While most federal loans are paused
- [Workshop](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop/) - Every day I receive calls and e-mails from people wondering what they can do to deal with student loans. It could be a parent, it could be a concerned sibling, or it could be the borrower them self calling. It could even be a parent that co-signed for their child. From simple questions to abusive
- [About Josh](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/about/) - I'm just like you - someone who went to college in search of a better financial future. But it wasn't what I learned in the classroom that changed my life. Here's How I Became THE Student Loan Lawyer As a college student at Brandeis University, I had no idea about the ugly side of student
- [Graduates Map](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/) - Search for graduates near you by clicking on your state below.
- [Navient Settlement 2022](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/navient-settlement-2022/) - Pennsylvania v Navient The Settlement On January 13, 2022, a proposed settlement was filed with the court. At the time of the publishing of this page, the settlement has not yet been reviewed or approved by the court. That means the terms may change and more or less people could qualify. This page will be
- [Student Loan Talk Videos](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/videos/) - Welcome to our Podcast page. In an effort to appeal to the expansive methods people choose to educate themselves, we've expanded our Blog offerings in an audio format as podcasts. If you'd like to watch me present a topic, you can visit our YouTube page.
- [ITT Closure Information](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/itt/) - Welcome to the ITT Closure information page. Notice how blank it is? That's because there's really not much information available at this stage. If you were not enrolled at ITT on or after May 6, 2016, your only hope for discharge of your Federal student loans is likely going to be DTR - Defense to
- [Student Loan Basics](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/student-loan-basics/) - These days it is almost impossible for most students to attend college without some kind of financial aid. Most students who apply for aid receive student loans. There are two main sources for such loans; Private loans and Federal loans. Private loans are issued by private banks and are based on the applicant's credit worthiness,
- [There are currently no graduates from this state.](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/there-are-currently-no-graduates-from-this-state/) - Please contact Joshua Cohen for assistance.
- [A Test Page](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/a-test-page/)
- [District of Columbia](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/district-of-columbia/)
- [Utah](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/utah/)
- [Puerto Rico](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/puerto-rico/)
- [Illinois](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/illinois/)
- [Workshop Course Descriptions](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-course-descriptions/) - Student Loan Basics Attendees learn the basics of student loans. Topics include: differences between Federal and Private loans, the different Federal repayment plans, administrative discharge of Federal loans, strategies to deal with default loans, defending Federal and Private student loan lawsuits, and more. Affirmative Student Loan Litigation Attorneys learn how to identify and bring actions
- [North Dakota](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/north-dakota/)
- [Ohio](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/ohio/)
- [Oklahoma](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/oklahoma/)
- [Oregon](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/oregon/)
- [Pennsylvania](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/pennsylvania/)
- [Rhode Island](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/rhode-island/)
- [Vermont](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/vermont/)
- [South Carolina](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/south-carolina/)
- [South Dakota](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/south-dakota/)
- [Tennessee](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/tennessee/)
- [Texas](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/texas/)
- [Virginia](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/virginia/)
- [Washington](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/washington/)
- [West Virginia](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/west-virginia/)
- [Wisconsin](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/wisconsin/)
- [Wyoming](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/wyoming/)
- [Montana](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/montana/)
- [North Carolina](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/north-carolina/)
- [New York](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/new-york/)
- [New Mexico](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/new-mexico/)
- [New Jersey](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/new-jersey/)
- [New Hampshire](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/new-hampshire/)
- [Nebraska](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/nebraska/)
- [Indiana](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/indiana/)
- [Iowa](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/iowa/)
- [Kansas](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/kansas/)
- [Kentucky](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/kentucky/)
- [Louisiana](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/louisiana/)
- [Maine](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/maine/)
- [Maryland](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/maryland/)
- [Massachusetts](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/massachusetts/)
- [Michigan](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/michigan/)
- [Minnesota](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/minnesota/)
- [Mississippi](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/mississippi/)
- [Missouri](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/missouri/)
- [Nevada](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/nevada/)
- [Default and Repayment](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/default-and-repayment/) - When it comes time to repay student loans, we all groan, but do what we can. The trouble in not repaying the loan is what occurs when the loan enters default status. The following information applies to federal student loans only. The collection of federal student loans is a unique kind of beast. Collection tactics
- [Graduate Information](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/graduate-information/)
- [Cases](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/cases/) - There are many ways to assist borrowers, often without the need for litigation. However, there are those times when litigation is the only way to get things done. Please note that this is not a complete list of cases. Because student loans are debt, many people prefer not to advertise their problems to the public,
- [Georgia](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/georgia/)
- [Alabama](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/alabama/)
- [Arizona](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/arizona/)
- [Alaska](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/alaska/)
- [Arkansas](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/arkansas/)
- [California](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/california/)
- [Colorado](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/colorado/)
- [Connecticut](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/connecticut/)
- [Delaware](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/delaware/)
- [Florida](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/florida/)
- [Hawaii](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/hawaii/)
- [Idaho](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates/idaho/)
- [Federal vs. Private Loans](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/federal-vs-private-loans/) - Private Student LoansPrivate student loans are those which are secured through a private lending institution based on the applicant's credit. It is no different than a mortgage, car loan, or credit card. The only difference involves bankruptcy. As of October 2005, most private education loans cannot be discharged through bankruptcy. However, this may change in
- [Workshop Graduates](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/workshop-graduates-2/)
- [Thank you for requesting information about upcoming Workshops](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/thank-you-for-requesting-information-about-upcoming-workshops/) - You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking "unsubscribe" at the bottom of any email update.
- [Thank you for subscribing to the Student Loan Lawyer updates.](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/thank-you-for-subscribing-to-the-student-loan-lawyer-updates/) - You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking "unsubscribe" at the bottom of any email update.

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/category/uncategorized/)
- [Dischargability](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/category/dischargability/)
- [Private Student Loans](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/category/private-student-loans-2/)
- [IBR](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/category/ibr/)
- [Student Loan Legislation](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/category/student-loan-legislation/)
- [Debt Collection Violations](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/category/debt-collection-violations/)
- [For Attorneys](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/category/for-attorneys/)
- [Default](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/category/default/)
- [Taxes](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/category/taxes/)
- [Repayment Plans](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/category/repayment-plans/)
- [Student Loan Basics](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/category/student-loan-basics/)
- [Bankruptcy And Student Loans](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/category/bankruptcy-and-student-loans/)
- [Federal Student Loans](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/category/federal-student-loans/)
- [Student Loan Scams](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/category/student-loan-scams/)
- [In New News](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/category/in-new-news/)
- [Podcasts](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/category/podcasts/)
- [Video](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/category/video/)

## Tags

- [New York](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/tag/ny/)
- [California](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/tag/ca/)
- [Florida](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/tag/fl/)
- [Connecticut](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/tag/ct/)
- [Massachusetts](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/tag/ma/)
- [Michigan](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/tag/mi/)
- [Missouri](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/tag/mo/)
- [Nebraska](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/tag/ne/)
- [New Jersey](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/tag/nj/)
- [Nevada](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/tag/nv/)
- [Georgia](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/tag/ga/)
- [Illinois](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/tag/il/)
- [Louisana](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/tag/la/)
- [Pennsylvania](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/tag/pa/)
- [Texas](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/tag/tx/)
- [Private student loans](https://thestudentloanlawyer.com/tag/private-student-loans/)