1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I am writing to express my concern regarding the recent issues faced by student loan borrowers, particularly those seeking to recertify their income for Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans. The inability to submit updated income information due to the freezing of loan applications has resulted in thousands of borrowers being placed on standard repayment plans that are unaffordable and exacerbate financial hardship. For borrowers already on IDR plans, this issue has led to them being forcibly transitioned to the standard repayment plan, simply because they are unable to access the necessary application to update their income. This not only undermines the core purpose of income-driven repayment, but also places an enormous strain on borrowers, forcing many to pay unaffordable monthly amounts that they simply cannot manage. As a result, these individuals—already struggling to repay their loans based on their income—now face the possibility of defaulting or further financial distress. As you may know, Income-Driven Repayment plans have been in place since 1994 and have provided an essential safeguard for borrowers by adjusting monthly payments based on income. This system has ensured that borrowers are not burdened with unmanageable payments, preventing many from defaulting or falling further into debt. However, the current suspension of the recertification process has left many borrowers in a dire situation, unable to access the relief they are legally entitled to. The consequences of this failure are severe. Borrowers who should be placed on affordable, income-based plans are instead being pushed into the standard repayment option, which is often unsustainable for those with low or fluctuating incomes. The impact on mental and financial well-being is profound, as many borrowers are now forced to choose between paying their student loans and covering basic living expenses. Given that these income-driven repayment plans have been a legal and widely accepted part of the student loan system for over 30 years, I urge you to take immediate action to address this issue. I respectfully request that you work with your colleagues in Congress and the Department of Education to: Clarify the status of income-based repayment plans and ensure that the recertification process is restored so borrowers can submit their income updates without delay. Expand access to affordable repayment options for all eligible borrowers. Provide additional protections for borrowers who have been affected by this issue, including the possibility of retroactively correcting misclassified repayment plans. This situation is urgent, and the failure to resolve it will only worsen the financial stability of countless borrowers who are already struggling with debt. I trust that you will act swiftly and in the best interest of your constituents to help ensure that those who rely on income-driven repayment plans are not further harmed.