GRAYSLAKE — In an effort to help people struggling to pay their student loans during the unprecedented economic challenges facing the state and country, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) highlighted relief options that could benefit nearly 140,000 Illinoisans.
“If you are struggling with student loan debt, please contact your loan providers immediately to discuss a repayment plan that incorporates expanded relief options during the COVID-19 crisis,” said Bush. “Illinoisans should not have to worry about how they will repay their student loans during a national crisis.”
Under the initiative, spearheaded by Gov. JB Pritzker and Secretary Deborah Hagan of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, people with commercially-owned Federal Family Education Program Loans or privately held student loans who are having a hard time making their payments due to COVID-19 will be eligible for expanded relief.
Borrowers who need assistance are asked to immediately contact their student loan provider to set up a plan.
Relief options are based on a person’s individual needs and include:
- Providing a minimum of 90 days of forbearance,
- Waiving late payment fees,
- Ensuring that no borrower is subject to negative credit reporting,
- Ceasing debt collection lawsuits for 90 days,
- Working with borrower to enroll them in other borrower assistance programs, such as income-based repayment.
If a person is having problems contacting their student loan servicer, they can contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Division of Banking at 217-785-2900 or the attorney general’s student loan helpline at 1-800-455-2456. If Illinois residents have difficulty contacting state agencies at those numbers, they are encouraged to reach out to their state senator’s office.
Senator Bush’s District Office is serving constituents remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, so please call (847) 548-5631 or email
© 2024 Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus
