Critical Student Loan Deadlines Approaching Amid Repayment and Forgiveness Changes

Student loan borrowers are facing two critical deadlines by the end of September 2026, amidst major reforms by the Education Department. By September 29, the first group of borrowers notified on July 1 must switch out of the SAVE plan or risk involuntary enrollment in potentially unaffordable Standard plans. Additionally, by September 30, borrowers can enroll in auto-pay for a temporary 1% interest rate reduction, a benefit four times the usual, for student loans disbursed after July 1, 2012. These deadlines come as borrowers navigate ongoing servicing issues and confusion.