Dave Says: Can the Loans Be Forgiven?

Dear Dave,

I'm 36, and I've been placed on permanent disability due to primary progressive multiple sclerosis. Is there a possibility I could petition to have my student loans forgiven? Do you believe this is an issue of conscience?

– Janelle

Dear Janelle,

No, I don't think it's an issue of conscience. If you've been officially and medically diagnosed with this disease, and you've also been declared permanently disabled, then federally insured student loans can, and should, be forgiven.

I'll tell you ahead of time that it's going to take a lot of work—regardless of the reason—to get a request like this through the system. You'll be swimming in red tape for a while, but having the loans forgiven is only fair considering your condition and situation.

God bless you, Janelle.

– Dave