Student Loan Collections Are Back. What Borrowers With Heavy Student Debt Need to Know Now

For several years, student loan borrowers lived in a holding pattern. Payments were paused. Collections slowed. Consequences felt distant.

That pause is ending.

As reported by CNBC, federal agencies have resumed collection efforts on defaulted student loans, bringing wage garnishments, tax refund offsets, and renewed enforcement back into focus for millions of borrowers with significant balances.

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/29/bankruptcy-student-loan-borrowers.html

This shift is affecting borrowers across age groups, but it is hitting hardest among those with heavy student loan debt relative to income, including many millennials and Gen X households already navigating high housing costs and limited financial flexibility.

With pressure rising, an uncomfortable question is resurfacing:

Is bankruptcy something people are actually considering for student loan debt?

During the pandemic, federal student loan collections were largely suspended. That relief provided temporary breathing room, but it also delayed hard financial decisions.

Now:

• Collections on defaulted federal loans are restarting
  
  
• Tax refunds and wages may be subject to offset
  
  
• Borrowers who never fully regained financial footing are facing renewed pressure

According to CNBC, the restart is part of a broader effort to address growing delinquency levels that accumulated during the pause. For borrowers already behind, the consequences are no longer theoretical.

The common belief is that student loans cannot be discharged in bankruptcy.

That belief is not entirely accurate.

Student loans can be discharged, but only if a borrower proves “undue hardship” in a separate legal process known as an adversary proceeding. This standard has historically been difficult to meet, which is why discharge has been relatively rare.

However, the conversation has shifted.

The U.S. Department of Justice and Department of Education issued updated internal guidance encouraging more consistent evaluation of hardship claims, signaling that borrowers who truly cannot repay should not be automatically dismissed.

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-and-department-education-announce-steps-improve-student-loan

This does not change the law, and it does not guarantee outcomes. It does mean that more borrowers are at least exploring bankruptcy as a possible last-resort option rather than assuming it is impossible.

Bankruptcy is not a financial strategy. It is a legal remedy.

For a narrow group of borrowers, it is being considered because:

• Collections can be immediate and aggressive
  Filing bankruptcy temporarily stops wage garnishments and collection activity through an automatic stay.
  
  
• Other debts can be addressed at the same time
  Credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans may be discharged, potentially stabilizing overall cash flow.
  
  
• There is a path, even if narrow, to student loan relief
  Some borrowers with long-term financial hardship are finding that discharge is no longer viewed as impossible.

This is not about gaming the system. It is about borrowers confronting financial realities that have not improved despite years of effort.

Bankruptcy comes with real consequences, and those consequences must be understood clearly.

A bankruptcy filing can remain on a credit report for up to 10 years. That said, ongoing default, missed payments, and collections already damage credit. For some borrowers, the comparison is not “bankruptcy versus good credit,” but “bankruptcy versus continued deterioration.”

Bankruptcy involves court filings, legal fees, and potentially litigation to address student loans specifically. It is not quick, cheap, or simple.

Even after filing, student loans may not be discharged if undue hardship cannot be proven. The process requires evidence, documentation, and legal guidance.

This is an area that is often misunderstood.

In general, canceled debt can be treated as taxable income. However, debt discharged through bankruptcy is typically excluded from taxable income under federal tax law.

That said:

• The tax treatment depends on how the discharge occurs
  
  
• State tax rules may differ
  
  
• Laws and temporary relief provisions change

Because of these variables, tax consequences should never be assumed. A decision that reduces debt today could create tax exposure later if not properly evaluated.

Bankruptcy is usually not the first step.

Many borrowers explore alternatives such as:

• Income-driven repayment plans
  
  
• Loan rehabilitation or consolidation
  
  
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness, when eligible
  https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Each option has tradeoffs. Some lower payments. Others extend repayment timelines. None are universal solutions, but they may preserve flexibility and credit for borrowers who qualify.

Student loan enforcement is back, and ignoring the issue is no longer a viable plan.

Bankruptcy is not a shortcut, and it is not right for most borrowers. For a small subset facing long-term hardship, it has become part of a broader conversation about realistic outcomes and financial sustainability.

The right path forward depends on income stability, future earning potential, total debt, credit considerations, and tax exposure.

Before making decisions, check with our office. Understanding the financial and tax implications before acting can help you avoid compounding an already difficult situation.

This article is intended for general educational and personal finance information only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Bankruptcy laws are complex and highly fact-specific. Borrowers considering bankruptcy should consult with a qualified bankruptcy attorney to understand their legal options.