A few years ago, it seemed like the dream of widespread student debt forgiveness was alive and well. And although the hopes of millions of borrowers across the country have since been dashed, there are moves that employers can make to help workers toiling under the burden of defaulted loans and garnished wages.
Student loan borrowers were able to take advantage of a repayments pause when the COVID pandemic began in 2020, but that expired in September of 2023. That same year, the Supreme Court struck down then-President Biden’s decision to cancel up to $20,000 in debt for qualified borrowers. And in May of 2025, a five-year reprieve for student loan borrowers who were in default on their loans expired. That means that collections are now in play, and the Department of Education can garnish wages, tax refunds, and federal benefits.
