Sun May 04 04:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Student Loan Collections to Resume After Pandemic Pause, Affecting Millions
**Riverside, CA** – The Department of Education will resume collections on defaulted federal student loans on May 5th, impacting an estimated 5 million borrowers nationwide. This move, ending a pandemic-era pause, has sparked concern among advocates who fear significant financial hardship for affected individuals.
La Shanna Mason of Riverside, a borrower who juggled education with family and work, exemplifies the challenges faced. While acknowledging her responsibility to repay her loans, she currently faces unemployment and worries about the impending collections. She emphasized the importance of contacting loan servicers to explore income-driven repayment options.
Sabrina Calazans of the Student Debt Crisis Center expressed serious concern, stating that the resumption of collections will exacerbate financial difficulties for many borrowers. She warned of potential consequences such as wage garnishment and tax refund seizures, urging borrowers to visit StudentAid.gov or contact their loan servicers to explore options like loan consolidation or rehabilitation. Loan rehabilitation, while a longer process, can restore loans to good standing.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon defended the decision, asserting that the pause unfairly burdened taxpayers. However, the move has reignited the debate surrounding student loan debt and its impact on borrowers. The coming weeks will reveal the full extent of the resumption’s consequences for millions of Americans.
First Piper 