Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) discharge is a federal program that allows borrowers who are permanently disabled to have their eligible federal student loans and/or Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant service obligations forgiven. Eligible loans include William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program loans, Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loans, and Federal Perkins Loans.
Qualifying for TPD Discharge
To qualify for TPD discharge, you must provide documentation from one of the following sources:
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Proof of a service-connected disability rating of 100% or a determination that you are unemployable due to a service-connected disability.
Social Security Administration (SSA): A notice of award for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits showing that your following disability review will be five to seven years from your most recent SSA disability determination date.
Licensed medical professional: Certification that you are permanently and disabled based on a physical or mental impairment that prevents you from engaging in meaningful gainful activity, the result of which is expected to be death, and which has lasted for at least 60 continuous months, or is expected to last for at least 60 continuous months.
In some cases, you may be eligible for an automatic discharge if the VA or SSA notifies the U.S. Department of Education of your disability status.
Applying for TPD Discharge
To apply for TPD discharge, you must:
- Complete a TPD discharge application.
- Attach the required documentation proving your eligibility.
- Submit the application and documentation to Nelnet, the TPD discharge servicer.
You can request to have your student loan payments paused for 120 days while your TPD discharge application is under review. If you need assistance with the application process, you can designate a representative, such as a lawyer from Loan Lawyers, to help you complete and submit the application.
After TPD Discharge Approval
If your TPD discharge is approved, Nelnet will notify you that your loans and/or TEACH Grant service obligation have been discharged. Depending on how you qualify, your loan holder may refund payments received on or after the effective date of your disability determination.
If you qualify through SSA documentation or a medical professional’s certification, you will enter a three-year post-discharge monitoring period. Your discharged loans or grant service obligation may be reinstated if you receive a new Direct Loan or TEACH Grant during this period.
How Loan Lawyers Can Help with TPD Discharge
The knowledgeable attorneys at Loan Lawyers can provide guidance on your eligibility for TPD discharge and help you navigate the application process. We can assist you in gathering the necessary documentation and completing the TPD discharge application accurately. Our team will represent you throughout the discharge process, ensuring that your rights as a borrower are protected and advocating on your behalf if any issues arise.
Contact Loan Lawyers for TPD Discharge Assistance
With over 100 years of combined experience, our attorneys have the expertise and commitment to provide personalized solutions tailored to your unique financial situation. We understand the challenges faced by borrowers with disabilities and are passionate about helping you achieve the debt relief you deserve.
Take the first step towards financial freedom today. Contact our Fort Lauderdale student loan lawyers to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our skilled student loan attorneys to learn about your options for student loan forgiveness for disabled borrowers. Don’t let student loan debt hold you back any longer. Complete our online contact form to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you obtain a Total and Permanent Disability student loan discharge.
