Studnet loan repayment and complete disability

[Anonymous]

I really hope the OP sees the previous post. I hate the idea of her sitting in a hospital room thinking there is no hope.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If someone has a health crisis (stroke) and will never work again (currently in ICU with best case being a long term care facility) is there any way to have a student loan forgiven? The patient is married but the loan is only in the patient's name.

Same couple...healthy spouse: Is there any relief for this spouse that now needs to cover all other household bills including caring for two children. They worked opposite shifts so never had childcare costs but will need child care so healthy spouse can go to work and keep health benefits.

The only "relief" from paying the bills would be to declare bankruptcy.

THIS, OP. THIS is why you should never depend on the internet to answer questions. My federal student loans were completely discharged. About $40,000 worth. Due to a complete and total disability. In my case it is severe anxiety and panic caused by PTSD. My psychiatrist had to sign a form stating that I would never be able to engage in full-time work again. During the three years after the discharge, I had to sign a form certifying that I had not earned any income. If I do earn income, I have to stay below the federal poverty rate. In my state it is $16,000 a year. I can work part-time, but that's it.

My DH has a very good job. They did not take into account his income. It's not his responsibility to pay my student loan debt. If you go to the federal student loan website there is a section devoted to disability.

No need to enter into details, but was the PTSD due to a sudden event or due to chronic trauma? And has it improved over time?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If someone has a health crisis (stroke) and will never work again (currently in ICU with best case being a long term care facility) is there any way to have a student loan forgiven? The patient is married but the loan is only in the patient's name.

Same couple...healthy spouse: Is there any relief for this spouse that now needs to cover all other household bills including caring for two children. They worked opposite shifts so never had childcare costs but will need child care so healthy spouse can go to work and keep health benefits.

The only "relief" from paying the bills would be to declare bankruptcy.

THIS, OP. THIS is why you should never depend on the internet to answer questions. My federal student loans were completely discharged. About $40,000 worth. Due to a complete and total disability. In my case it is severe anxiety and panic caused by PTSD. My psychiatrist had to sign a form stating that I would never be able to engage in full-time work again. During the three years after the discharge, I had to sign a form certifying that I had not earned any income. If I do earn income, I have to stay below the federal poverty rate. In my state it is $16,000 a year. I can work part-time, but that's it.

My DH has a very good job. They did not take into account his income. It's not his responsibility to pay my student loan debt. If you go to the federal student loan website there is a section devoted to disability.

No need to enter into details, but was the PTSD due to a sudden event or due to chronic trauma? And has it improved over time?

I don't mind sharing. My ex was physically abusive. He tried to kill me when he found out I was planning to leave. Held a knife to my throat and then tried to smother me with a pillow because he thought it would be quieter. Then, he tried to take my children overseas. It was an awful few years. All I could think of was my kids. They were 2 and 6 when we finally got away. A domestic violence counselor and my attorney helped me get everything I could into my car at 2am. We drove across country to my parents house. It was a long time ago. My kids are grown. I've been happily remarried for over 20 years. But the PTSD remains.

I used to just sit and shake for hours. I don't do that anymore. But, I cannot get past the panic. It comes out of nowhere and is impossible to predict. When it happens, I can't speak. I can't breathe. It's that feeling you get when you decend on a roller coaster. Over and over again. Last time it happened, my DH rushed me to the ER. My blood pressure was 220/180.

I hate it. It's completely debilitating. The panic part of PTSD is the hardest to treat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If someone has a health crisis (stroke) and will never work again (currently in ICU with best case being a long term care facility) is there any way to have a student loan forgiven? The patient is married but the loan is only in the patient's name.

Same couple...healthy spouse: Is there any relief for this spouse that now needs to cover all other household bills including caring for two children. They worked opposite shifts so never had childcare costs but will need child care so healthy spouse can go to work and keep health benefits.

The only "relief" from paying the bills would be to declare bankruptcy.

THIS, OP. THIS is why you should never depend on the internet to answer questions. My federal student loans were completely discharged. About $40,000 worth. Due to a complete and total disability. In my case it is severe anxiety and panic caused by PTSD. My psychiatrist had to sign a form stating that I would never be able to engage in full-time work again. During the three years after the discharge, I had to sign a form certifying that I had not earned any income. If I do earn income, I have to stay below the federal poverty rate. In my state it is $16,000 a year. I can work part-time, but that's it.

My DH has a very good job. They did not take into account his income. It's not his responsibility to pay my student loan debt. If you go to the federal student loan website there is a section devoted to disability.

No need to enter into details, but was the PTSD due to a sudden event or due to chronic trauma? And has it improved over time?

I don't mind sharing. My ex was physically abusive. He tried to kill me when he found out I was planning to leave. Held a knife to my throat and then tried to smother me with a pillow because he thought it would be quieter. Then, he tried to take my children overseas. It was an awful few years. All I could think of was my kids. They were 2 and 6 when we finally got away. A domestic violence counselor and my attorney helped me get everything I could into my car at 2am. We drove across country to my parents house. It was a long time ago. My kids are grown. I've been happily remarried for over 20 years. But the PTSD remains.

I used to just sit and shake for hours. I don't do that anymore. But, I cannot get past the panic. It comes out of nowhere and is impossible to predict. When it happens, I can't speak. I can't breathe. It's that feeling you get when you decend on a roller coaster. Over and over again. Last time it happened, my DH rushed me to the ER. My blood pressure was 220/180.

I hate it. It's completely debilitating. The panic part of PTSD is the hardest to treat.

I'm so sorry. And so glad you got away.

*Hugs.*

[Anonymous]

The OP with PTSD is correct. If these are federal student loans, Google "total and permanent disability"--it will get you started. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Here's the link for federal loans: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/disability-discharge

[Anonymous]

My sibling also got $40K for private student loans dismissed for complete disability. Communicate with the lender. Also, apply for SSI/SSD for the person who is ill. It takes forever to get it, so start the process ASAP.

OP, when sudden illness/disability strikes it is financially devastating for the entire family. I am so sorry. As I mentioned, this happened to my sibling and it has changed all of our futures, both personally and financially.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My sibling also got $40K for private student loans dismissed for complete disability. Communicate with the lender. Also, apply for SSI/SSD for the person who is ill. It takes forever to get it, so start the process ASAP.

OP, when sudden illness/disability strikes it is financially devastating for the entire family. I am so sorry. As I mentioned, this happened to my sibling and it has changed all of our futures, both personally and financially.

I am the PP who had her loans discharged due to disability. This poster is correct- apply for SSI/SSD immediately. It can take years and almost everyone is denied the first time. Many attorneys will handle the case at no charge up front. They take their fees from the initial lump sum of back pay. BUT- this is important- you can file for the student loan discharge before you get disability. I'm not on disability and have no reason to file. But my loans were fully discharged.