How to Reapply for a Total & Permanent Disability for a Student Loan Discharge

Federal student loans and most other types of student loans are discharged for borrowers who certify that they are totally and permanently disabled in a way that prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful activity. If you have applied for a discharge before and it was not granted, you can reapply if you meet the conditions for application. Your disability must be expected to lead to death, have lasted for 60 consecutive months or be expected to last for 60 consecutive months in the future.

Instructions

1

Download the total and permanent disability application form from the federal student aid website (see Resources). If you are attempting to discharge private student loans, contact your lender to get the appropriate documents.

2

Fill out the identifying information at the top of the application, including the applicant's name, Social Security number and contact information.

3

Read the full application. If you meet the conditions, sign and date the certification section. If you are completing the application for a disabled person who cannot physically or mentally complete the process, you must also include your printed name, address and relationship to the applicant.

4

Make an appointment with a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathy who is fully licensed in the United States.

5

Have the doctor complete the second page of the application, which includes a diagnosis of the condition and the specific limitations that prevent the applicant from engaging in substantial gainful activity. The doctor must sign and date the application and provide contact information and credentials.

6

Submit the application to the lender who owns your student loan. If you have multiple lenders, photocopy the application and sign each one in ink.

7

Provide income information for the three-year monitoring period following your discharge. If your employment earns you more than 150 percent of the poverty line for a two-person family in your state, your loans will be reinstated and you will have to pay them.