National Association of Counties
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has announced new changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) following the October 31 expiration of the waiver that temporarily expanded eligibility for the program. The waiver, which was in effect for 12 months, sought to address the many challenges borrowers have historically faced in trying to meet the requirements for the PSLF program, which offers forgiveness for the remaining loan balances of full-time public and non-profit employees after 120 qualifying monthly payments. While ED is not extending all of the provisions available under the now-expired waiver, the actions—which include a one-time account adjustment slated to take effect in July 2023 as well as new, permanent regulations—should help more qualifying borrowers receive debt relief. County governments support reforms to the PSLF program to help us recruit and retain a talented workforce.
According to ED, more than 236,000 borrowers took advantage of the limited PSLF waiver to access $14 billion in forgiveness over the past year. To build on this expansion, ED has issued a final rule making changes to the program that include permitting borrowers to receive credit toward PSLF payments for late, partial and lump sum payments, awarding PSLF credit for time spent in periods of deferment due to special circumstances and simplifying the criteria for eligible employees to qualify as working full-time. Along with the rulemaking, ED has announced a one-time account adjustment intended to fix longstanding problems faced by borrowers receiving credit toward forgiveness under income-driven repayment (IDR) plans and PSLF. Both the rule and the account adjustment will take effect in July, 2023.
Additional details about forthcoming changes to PSLF and information about how to take advantage of these adjustments can be found in this fact sheet. NACo will monitor regulations around the PSLF program and broader student loan forgiveness efforts.
<p>Reducing the number of people in jail for technical violations can help decrease jail populations and improve outcomes and compliance with supervision conditions.
<p>Experiencing homelessness in early childhood can have long-term impacts on health, education and well-being for both children and parents.
<p>Reducing the number of people arrested and booked into jails for low-level offenses and misdemeanors through diversion and citations, as well as outstanding warrants for failing to appear in court or not paying fines and fees, can h
<p>Reducing recidivism through effective jail- and community-based services can decrease jail admissions and populations and improve outcomes for people with criminal histories.</p>
<h3><strong>Counties Matter in Human Services</strong></h3>
<p>All matters pertaining to children’s issues, foster care, public assistance and income support, services to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, immigration policy, social services, and elementary,
With American Rescue Plan funds, counties are strengthening America’s workforce, addressing the nation’s behavioral health crisis, expanding broadband access, improving housing affordability and building prosperous communities for the next generation.
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