Cancellation, Forgiveness and Discharge

Under certain circumstances, a student loan, or a portion of the loan, may be cancelled, forgiven, or discharged (in other words, the student doesn't have to repay it).  Check the Common Manual for specific information about the different cancellation, forgiveness, and discharge options.
 
The borrower's loan cannot be discharged solely because they believe that the school:

• provided poor training or had unqualified instructors or inadequate equipment;
• did not provide job placement or other services that it promised; or
• engaged in fraudulent activities [other than falsely certifying (including as a result of identity theft) or fraudulently completing a loan application].

Loan Repayment/Forgiveness Programs

There are State of Illinois and federal programs that offer eligible borrowers assistance with student loan repayment/forgiveness. Borrowers with questions about eligibility for loan cancellation, forgiveness or discharge should contact an ISAC Call Center Representative at 800.899.4722, ext.3 or isac.studentservices@illinois.gov.

Unable to Make Payments

If the borrower is unable to make monthly payments, s/he should contact the lender immediately to avoid default by considering alternative repayment options. In addition to loan forgiveness, deferment or forbearance may be an option depending upon the circumstances.