Social Security retirement & massive Parent PLUS loan debt - can I get disability discharge at 74?

Yes, you absolutely CAN get a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) discharge even if you're already receiving retirement benefits! The TPD discharge program is separate from SSDI. You can qualify through documentation from your doctor showing you have a medical condition that's expected to result in death, has lasted 60+ months, or will last at least 60 months. Based on what you've described about your health conditions, you should definitely apply. Go to disabilitydischarge.com (the official government site) for the application. You'll need your doctor to complete Section 4.

I went through something similar with my son's loans but only about $120k. It's CRIMINAL how these parent loans balloon with interest!!! I'm so sorry you're going thru this. Have you considered bankruptcy? I know student loans usually aren't dischargeable but I've heard some courts are getting more lenient especially with parent borrowers who are elderly. Might be worth a consultation with a bankruptcy attorney?

The previous poster is correct about TPD discharge. You need to get the application from disabilitydischarge.com (Nelnet handles this process for the Department of Education). Your doctor needs to certify that you have a physical or mental impairment that: 1) Will result in death, OR 2) Has lasted continuously for 60+ months, OR 3) Is expected to last continuously for 60+ months. You can also qualify automatically if you're receiving SSDI with a 5-7 year review period, but since you're on retirement benefits, you'll need to go the physician certification route. Make sure your doctor understands the severity requirements - they need to certify that your condition prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (basically working) for at least 5 years.

hav u tried calling the student loan ombudsman? they helped my sister with a similar problem and got her monthly payment reduced a lot. just google student loan ombudsman group its free govt help

I would strongly recommend trying to reach someone higher up at the loan servicer who can look at all your options. When I had issues with my federal student loans, I kept getting disconnected or waiting for HOURS trying to reach someone at my servicer. I finally used Claimyr.com to get through to a real person at FSA - it got me connected to an agent in 10 minutes after I'd been trying for weeks on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Once I got through to a knowledgeable agent, they explained all the discharge options I qualified for that the website never mentioned. For TPD discharge specifically, you'll want to speak with someone who specializes in that program, not just the general customer service.

Have u tried income contingent repayment plan? My payment went from 780 to 120 a month!!

This is SO unfair!! The govt shouldn't be giving massive loans to parents of college students without better counseling about what they're getting into! My mom is still paying my brothers loans too and shes 72. She didn't understand how the interest would compound. These parent plus loans are predatory lending!!!! I hope you get that disability discharge. Pls update us if it works!!!

One more important thing about TPD discharge applications - be very careful about continuing to work while applying. The substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit for 2025 is $1,550/month in earnings. If you're earning more than that, it could jeopardize your application. You might need to reduce your hours or take leave during the application process. Also, there's typically a 3-year monitoring period after discharge where you can't exceed the SGA limit without risking reinstatement of the debt. Given your health conditions, it sounds like you qualify, but the employment aspect needs careful consideration.

I just went through the TPD process for my federal loans last year (I'm 68 with multiple sclerosis). The application wasn't too complicated but make sure your doctor understands exactly what they're certifying. My first attempt was rejected because my neurologist didn't check the right boxes about the duration of my disability. Second time worked with different wording. Don't give up if you get rejected the first time!

I'm so sorry you're going through this at 74. As someone who works with seniors navigating government benefits, I want to add a few things that might help: 1. **TPD Discharge Timeline**: The process typically takes 3-6 months, so apply ASAP given your health conditions. Your kidney disease alone (stage 3 CKD) could qualify if your doctor can document it's progressive and significantly limits your ability to work. 2. **Income Documentation**: When you apply, you'll need to show your current income sources. Your Social Security retirement benefits WON'T count against you for TPD qualification - they only look at earned income from work. 3. **Consider a Patient Advocate**: Given your multiple serious conditions, ask if your hospital or kidney center has a patient advocate who can help coordinate your medical documentation. They often know exactly how to phrase things for disability applications. 4. **Emergency Options**: While waiting for TPD processing, ask your servicer about administrative forbearance due to your medical situation. This could pause payments temporarily. Your health should be your priority right now, especially with upcoming heart surgery. The stress of these loans could literally be life-threatening at your age. Please don't give up - you have legitimate medical grounds for discharge.

I want to emphasize something important that others have touched on - you absolutely should NOT feel guilty about pursuing this discharge. You took on debt to help your daughter get an education, and now your serious health conditions genuinely prevent you from working enough to service this debt. That's exactly what the TPD discharge program was designed for. A few practical tips for your application: - When you meet with your nephrologist, bring a printed copy of the TPD application so they can see exactly what needs to be certified - Ask them to specifically mention how your kidney disease affects your ability to work (fatigue, dialysis schedule if applicable, frequent medical appointments) - The combination of stage 3 CKD + heart valve issues + severe arthritis should present a very strong case Also, once you apply, keep detailed records of all your medical appointments and treatments. The 3-year monitoring period mentioned earlier requires you to report if your condition improves significantly, but given your age and multiple chronic conditions, this is unlikely to be an issue. You've been carrying this burden for nearly a decade - it's time to get the relief you deserve so you can focus on your health and recovery.

I'm a case worker who helps seniors with federal benefits, and I wanted to add some crucial information about the TPD discharge process that could really help your situation: **Document EVERYTHING**: Start keeping a detailed log of how your conditions affect your daily activities and work capacity. Include specific examples like "unable to stand for more than 15 minutes due to arthritis pain" or "missed 3 work days this month for dialysis prep appointments." This documentation will strengthen your case. **Multiple Conditions Strategy**: You don't need just one qualifying condition - the cumulative effect of your stage 3 CKD, heart valve disease, and severe arthritis together creates a very compelling case. Make sure your doctor addresses how these conditions interact and compound each other's limitations. **Timing Consideration**: Given that you need heart surgery, this might actually work in your favor. Post-surgical recovery periods, especially for older adults, can easily meet the 60+ month duration requirement when combined with your existing chronic conditions. **Financial Relief During Process**: Once you submit your TPD application, contact your loan servicer immediately to request a discharge processing forbearance. This should stop payments and interest accrual while your application is reviewed. At 74 with multiple serious health conditions, you have every right to pursue this discharge. Your health and wellbeing should be the priority now, not servicing debt that has become impossible to manage. Please keep us updated on your progress!