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AG’s requested student loan lawyer now available to help borrowers
OLYMPIA – Attorney General Bob Ferguson today released an update Student Loan Survival Guide, which provides advice and resources to those affected by student loans, including high school students who are considering taking out student loans, former students who are making repayments, and parents who have co-signed loans.
Updates to the guide include information about the new student loan adviser at the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), a position created by AG request legislation last year. The lawyer is now available to help student loan borrowers understand the terms of their loans and the options available to them, such as loan cancellation and deferral.
Students can contact the lawyer directly by calling (833) 881-0397, emailing [email protected], or visiting https://wsac.wa.gov/loan-advocacy.
“Too many Washingtonians are struggling to repay over $ 24 billion in student loans, and they are not getting help from Betsy DeVos’ Department of Education,” Ferguson said. “This guide can help borrowers navigate the complex student loan process and connect them with a dedicated advocate to make it easier for them. “
“Students who work so hard to earn a college degree shouldn’t be struggling with heavy debt or predatory collection practices,” said Michael P. Meotti, executive director of WSAC. “What’s almost worse are the debt relief scams popping up everywhere. We look forward to working with the Attorney General’s office to ensure that borrowers get the accurate information and the one-on-one support they need to make the right decisions for their future.
The Student Loan Survival Guide was originally published in January 2017. The guide provides up-to-date information on choosing a credible school, taking out loans, repaying, and qualifying for loan cancellation. The guide also includes sections specifically for transfer students, parents of students, co-signers, military service members, and veterans.
Last year Ferguson agency request invoice providing life-saving protections to more than 800,000 Washington student loan borrowers has been passed by the state legislature. This bill, known as the Student Loan Bill of Rights, created the position of Student Loans Advocate for the WSAC. The new law also requires student loan managers to credit borrower payments within one business day, promptly respond to written requests for information, and reimburse erroneously assessed fees, among other standards. Senator Marko Liias, D-Lynnwood, and Representative Monica Stonier, D-Vancouver, sponsored the legislation.
Attorney General’s Office Student Loan Work
Ferguson has filed two lawsuits against the federal government to defend important student loan protections. A federal judge has ruled in a case the Education Department unduly delayed borrower defense protections. The other case, concerning the rule of gainful activity, is still ongoing. Ferguson also urged the federal government to protect students in 10 separate multi-state letters.
The attorney general’s office presented the Student Loan Transparency Act in 2017, a bill obliges schools to provide students with basic information about their student loans. The bill was passed by an overwhelming majority in the House with a bipartisan vote and unanimously in the Senate.
In January 2017, Ferguson filed a lawsuit, with the state of Illinois and the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, against loan manager Navient. The lawsuit alleges that Navient engaged in a number of unfair and deceptive practices, including the misapplication of borrower’s payments and the use of aggressive and deceptive collection tactics.
Ferguson secured debt relief from thousands of student borrowers who participated in for-profit colleges who used deceptive and deceptive recruiting practices. He also recovered nearly $ 1.5 million by cracking down on debt adjustment companies that charge fees to help borrowers consolidate their federal student loans and enroll in income-driven repayment plans. – tasks that borrowers’ lending services can and should help them free of charge.
More information about the office student loan work is available here.
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The Attorney General’s Office is Washington state’s primary legal office with attorneys and staff in 27 state divisions that provide legal services to approximately 200 state agencies, boards, and commissions. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.
Contacts:
Brionna Aho, director of communications, (360) 753-2727; [email protected]
