The U.S. Department of Education will restart collections on defaulted federal student loans beginning May 5, ending a pandemic-era pause that shielded millions of borrowers from aggressive collection efforts for nearly five years.
The move comes as more than five million Americans are currently in default, having missed payments for at least 270 days. Borrowers in this category will soon receive email notifications detailing their status and outlining possible next steps, including the risk of being referred to debt collection agencies or being placed into income-driven repayment plans.
By this summer, many could face wage garnishments or have their tax refunds and Social Security benefits seized as the government reactivates the Treasury Offset Program—a key tool for recouping unpaid debts.
The collections freeze was first implemented in March 2020 as a response to the economic fallout from COVID-19. During this time, borrowers in default were protected from the most severe penalties, including automatic paycheck deductions and the loss of federal benefits. Now, with the pause ending, the Department of Education is signalling a return to pre-pandemic enforcement, citing the need for fiscal responsibility and the sustainability of the federal student loan system.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon underscored the shift in policy, stating that American taxpayers will no longer be required to serve as collateral for what she called “reckless student loan policies.” She emphasized that the executive branch does not have the constitutional authority to erase debts and that loan balances do not simply disappear.
The statement reflects a broader debate over student debt relief, as previous efforts by the Biden administration to forgive up to $20,000 in student loans were blocked by the Supreme Court. A separate repayment plan, known as SAVE, which would have adjusted payment obligations based on income and household size, remains on hold due to ongoing legal challenges.
The impact of resumed collections will be felt most immediately by those already in default, but nearly four million additional borrowers are currently delinquent and could soon face similar consequences if they do not bring their accounts up to date.
Financial experts warn that the return of collections could put further strain on household budgets, especially for low-income families and older Americans who may see their Social Security benefits garnished.
Department officials are urging borrowers in default to contact the Default Resolution Group to explore options such as loan rehabilitation or enrolling in income-driven repayment plans. These programs can help borrowers regain good standing and avoid the harshest collection measures. The department’s renewed focus on collections comes as student loan debt in the U.S. has reached staggering levels, with over 42 million Americans owing more than $1.6 trillion in federal student loans.
As the Education Department resumes its collection efforts, the national conversation around student debt, college affordability, and economic recovery is expected to intensify. Borrowers are advised to take immediate action to understand their options and protect their financial futures as this new chapter in student loan enforcement begins.