FAFSA debt still haunting me after school shut down - Is TPD discharge my only option?

sounds like the whole system is set up 2 fail people tbh. my cousin had almost the same thing happen with a nursing program. they kept 'losing' her paperwork 4 like six years & she gave up & just paid it off with an inheritance 🙄 the doeducation is completely broken

From what you're describing, you should absolutely qualify for a Closed School Discharge. The key is proper documentation and persistence. Here's what you need to do: 1. Download and complete the Closed School Discharge application again (available on studentaid.gov) 2. Include any proof you have of attendance (transcripts, registration documents) 3. Submit via certified mail with return receipt AND upload to studentaid.gov 4. Keep copies of EVERYTHING 5. Call FSA every 2 weeks for status updates (document calls with date/time/representative name) The wrong school name in your account is concerning - you need to get that corrected ASAP as it's likely why your applications were "lost." Request a Data Correction as well. Don't immediately jump to TPD unless your medical condition truly qualifies. The closed school discharge is your rightful claim here.

I had the EXACT same problem last year with FSA losing my paperwork! I found out they had the wrong social security number on my account (off by ONE digit). Maybe check all your personal info is correct? Also their phone system is completely useless - I spent 5+ hours on hold over 3 days and kept getting disconnected.

I worked for a student loan servicer for 6 years. What you're experiencing is unfortunately common with closed school situations, especially when the school was shut down for fraud. Here's what you're legally entitled to: 1. Closed School Discharge - if you were enrolled when it closed OR withdrew within 120 days before closure 2. Borrower Defense to Repayment - since the owners were indicted for fraud The incorrect school info in your account is a huge red flag. Request a Data Review immediately. The computer systems at FSA are notoriously problematic with tracking closed schools. Regarding TPD - that's a separate process, and you should only pursue it if you truly meet the medical criteria. It requires specific documentation from a physician or proof of SSDI/VA determination. Whatever you do, do NOT pay a third-party company that promises to "fix" your loans for a fee. They're almost always scams.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS A DAMN RACKET!!! I went through EXACTLY this with my culinary school loans from 2012!!! They "lost" my paperwork FOUR TIMES and kept adding interest the whole time!!! They don't WANT to discharge eligible loans - they make too much money off our suffering!!! After THREE YEARS I finally got mine discharged but only after I got my state attorney general's office involved. DO NOT GIVE UP - that's what they're hoping for!!!

This happened to my brother after his automotive tech school closed. What finally worked was getting our congressman involved. His office has a staff person dedicated to helping constituents with federal agency issues. They made one call and suddenly the FSA was super responsive and processed his discharge within 3 weeks. It's ridiculous we have to go this route, but it works! Here's what to do: 1. Look up your congressional representative online 2. Call their office and ask about their constituent services for federal agency issues 3. Prepare a one-page summary of your situation with all relevant loan numbers and dates 4. Be polite but persistent with their staff Good luck!

i feel u on the health issues part. i got approved for tpd discharge last year but it took forever. u need either 1) VA determination 2) SSDI/SSI with 5-7 year review period or 3) doctor certification that ur condition will last 5+ years/is terminal. the doctor route is hardest. if ur doing ssdi route they literally just check a database - its the easiest if u already qualify.

One more important thing to note - make sure you understand the potential tax implications of any discharge. While closed school and TPD discharges aren't currently taxable federally (through 2025), some states may still consider it taxable income. This varies by state, so check your local rules or consult with a tax professional before proceeding.

my friend said the DOE website has special instructions 4 when ur school closed bcuz of fraud. there's like a special fraud team or something? dont know much about it but maybe look into that 2