Michigan Announces Student Loan Relief Due To Coronavirus

MICHIGAN — Michigan residents who have student loans guaranteed by the state will be provided assistance from the state treasury department during the coronavirus pandemic, the state announced Tuesday.

In addition to announcing the student loan assistance, the Michigan Department of Treasury also said collections on delinquent Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) student loans will be halted until September.

“College students should not have to worry about defaulting on their monthly loan payments during the continuing, unprecedented public health crisis,” Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. “This program will help alleviate a tremendous amount of stress from students with financial hardships as they determine the next steps in completing their education and competing for jobs in the 21st century workforce.”

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The state Treasury Department has stopped all wage garnishments and offsets to pay outstanding FFELP student loans serviced by the Michigan Guaranty Agency. Borrowers who are currently in repayment agreements will not be penalized if a payment is missed through Sept. 30, 2020.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is both a public health emergency and an economic emergency,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “If you are encountering financial hardship and cannot pay your state-backed student loans, please contact us so we can walk through your options for assistance.”

Individuals who have FFELP loans serviced by the Michigan Guaranty Agency and are encountering repayment issues are encouraged to call 1-800-642-5626. Service representatives can discuss payment options with borrowers.

Some FFELP loans were made by private lenders, and guaranty agencies insured these funds. Since 2010, no new FFELP loans have been issued by the federal government.

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