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For many borrowers, federal student loan debt can feel insurmountable, especially when they believe they were misled by their school. The Borrower Defense to Repayment (BDR) program offers an opportunity for those who were defrauded by their school to have their student loans forgiven.
If you qualify, the program can discharge some or all of your federal student loans. To improve your chances of success, it's important to submit a well-documented and compelling application.
Borrower Defense to Repayment is a legal provision that allows borrowers to seek loan forgiveness if they were defrauded by their school or if the school violated state laws.
This could include instances where a school made false promises about job placement, accreditation, or the quality of the education it provided. If you were affected by such actions, you may qualify for loan discharge.
The U.S. Department of Education reviews claims on a case-by-case basis, and those approved can have their loans discharged fully or partially.
Although the process can be lengthy, it provides an important avenue for students who believe they were misled.
How to apply
To apply for Borrower Defense, you need to provide compelling evidence that your school engaged in misconduct or made false claims that affected your education and finances.
This evidence might include documents such as emails, brochures, or other materials provided by the school that misrepresented its programs or outcomes.
To start the process, you must submit a Borrower Defense to Repayment claim via the Federal Student Aid website. The application will ask for your personal information, including your name, details, and loan information.
You will also need to explain in detail why you believe you were defrauded, providing specifics about how the school's actions misled you and impacted your education and financial situation.
The application requires ing documentation, so be sure to include any documents that substantiate your claims, such as written communications from the school, ments, or testimonies from others who were similarly affected.
Once your application is complete, submit it to the Department of Education. The review process can take several months, and the department may ask for additional information or clarification during this time. If your application is denied, don't be discouraged. You can appeal the decision, especially if you have additional evidence that could strengthen your case.