Although the government program to forgive student debt has benefited thousands of people, it only applies to borrowers of federal programs. Fortunately, some borrowers from private institutions are also already receiving the necessary help, especially when they were victims of predatory tactics by their lenders.
In recent weeks, lending company Navient quietly launched a program to forgive debts for borrowers who were defrauded by the schools they enrolled in or were victims of unfair tactics to convince them to accept a loan with unfavorable terms.
This program only applies to the company’s clients, but it is a step forward so that people harmed by these bad practices can finally remedy their financial situation.
What is required to access the Navient program?
According to Navient’s application format, released by the Project on Predatory Student Lending (PPSL), you qualify for the program if:
- The school or its representatives made false or misleading statements to convince you to enroll or remain enrolled.
- The school concealed, suppressed, or omitted information that would allow you to make an informed decision to enroll or stay enrolled.
- The school used aggressive and deceptive recruiting methods, such as pressuring you to enroll or take out loans or discouraging you from talking about your decision with family and friends.
- The school failed to meet its obligations under the contract.
How to apply for the Navient program?
If you are eligible, you must obtain the School Misconduct Discharge Application by calling Navient at (888) 545-4199 or emailing advocate@navient.com.
In the form, you must provide detailed information about the methods the school used to convince you to enroll and send all the documentation you received from the school and the Department of Education.
Finally, you will need to send your request to Navient at P.O. Box 4200, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773-4200, or via email.
If Navient refuses to give you an application or you have problems with any part of the process, the PPSL advises you to file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
