WASHINGTON–The Biden Administration has extended the temporary suspension of interest and loan payments for approximately 40-million federal student loan borrowers.
The relief had already been extended several times by both the Trump and Biden administrations and had been set to expire again on Jan. 31, 2022, with the federal government indicating until very recently that there would be no further suspensions, with the Education Department recently sending notices to borrowers that it would resume collecting student loans on Feb. 1 after nearly two years of pandemic relief.
But now, following pressure from a wide range of congressional Democrats on the White House as a new round of COVID cases spreads, the Biden Administration has again extended the pause on federal student loan payments until May 1.
"Given these considerations, today my Administration is extending the pause on federal student loan repayments for an additional 90 days — through May 1, 2022 — as we manage the ongoing pandemic and further strengthen our economic recovery," Biden said in a statement. "Meanwhile, the Department of Education will continue working with borrowers to ensure they have the support they need to transition smoothly back into repayment and advance economic stability for their own households and for our nation."
Democrats Call for Further Action
Congressional Democrats also continue to call on Biden to take further action and cancel up to $50,000 of student loan debt per borrower. The president had said during the presidential campaign that he would support canceling $10,000 per borrower, but has not taken action to do so beyond directing federal agencies to conduct reviews on whether he has the authority.