Do You Still Have to Pay Your Student Loans During The Government Shutdown?

The federal government’s shutdown is rippling through Georgia households, especially for the 1.6 million residents carrying student debt. Loan payments haven’t stopped, but the support systems borrowers rely on are grinding down.

💸 Why It Matters: Georgia ranks among the top 10 states for average student loan debt, with balances often topping $30,000 per person. For many families, even a short delay in help from Washington can tip budgets already stretched thin.

📞 What’s Happening: The U.S. Department of Education has furloughed nearly nine out of ten employees. Loan payments are still due, but:

Borrowers trying to change repayment plans or apply for forgiveness face longer waits.

Income-driven repayment applications and Public Service Loan Forgiveness reviews are piling up.