How Can I Help Someone with Student Loan Debt?

For many young people, student loan debt is a constant part of life after graduation. It doesn’t just affect their bank accounts—it shapes the choices they make about work, housing, relationships, and the future. If someone you care about is carrying this burden, here’s how you can better understand their experience and offer meaningful support.

Disclaimer: We strive to keep the information on this page accurate and up to date. However, programs and requirements can change, and we may not always be aware of those changes immediately. If you notice any outdated or incorrect information, or if you have suggestions for additional resources we should include, please reach out to your community's Resources and Opportunities (R&O) manager to make them aware of the changes needed.

Ask Coaching Questions

Seek Clarity:

1. How much are your monthly student loan payments?
2. By when is your next payment?
3. How much do you owe by that deadline?
4. What is the consequence if your payment is late?
5. To whom do you owe student loans?
6. Has there been a change in your income or expenses?
7. Is this a one-time need or will this be an ongoing need each month?

Get to the Root:

1. Has something changed in your life this month or in the past few months that has made it more difficult to afford to pay off your student loans?

Ask About Options:

1. How much do you think you could afford to put towards your monthly loans?
2. Who have you asked for help?
3. What have you tried so far?
4. Have you been unable to pay your loans before? How did you handle it?
5. Do you know anyone who has been unable to pay their loans before? If so, how did you handle it?
6. Do you have any friends or family who could lend you money this month?

Take Steps To Advocate

1. Call the entity that owns your loan and ask for a lower repayment plan and/or temporary relief
2. Contact Maryland’s Student Loan Ombudsman to explore borrower protections, education, or file a loan servicing complaint.
3. Check eligibility for MHEC programs (e.g. Hoffman LARP, MLARP, Tax Credit) and apply via their official site.
4. If employed in Maryland public service, visit MDTAPS to verify PSLF status and track 120 qualifying payments.
5. Use MarylandDebtRelief.org if considering consolidation, hardship assistance, or seeking free local guidance.
6. Explore SmartStart Maryland portal for students and state employees to connect with grants, loan repayment benefits, and support programs.
7. Review federal repayment options online (e.g. Income‑Driven Plans, SAVE, PSLF) via StudentAid.gov—especially timely since interest resumed as of August 1, 2025.

Connect with Resources

Get Advice/Information

1. Student loan repayment options
2. In default with federal loans

Address the Immediate Need

Apply for an Income-Driven Repayment Plan

Additional Resources

1. Maryland Student Loan Ombudsman (Department of Labor, Office of Financial Regulation)

Provides support for complaints, borrower rights, federal programs (e.g. PSLF), and downloadable guides/video modules.
Contact: Toll‑free 1‑888‑784‑0136 · email: studentloan.ombudsman@maryland.gov
 

2. Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) — Loan Assistance & Tax Credit Programs

Key offerings:

• Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program (for qualified public/non‑profit professionals)
• Loan Assistance for Physicians, Police Officers, Foster Care Recipients, Public Defenders/Prosecutors
• Maryland Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit (application window: July 1–September 15, 2025)

3. Maryland Center for Collegiate Financial Wellness (MDTAPS Campaign) Focus on Public Service Loan Forgiveness outreach and awareness. Helps Maryland public service borrowers track progress, certify employment, and understand IDR adjustments.

4. MarylandDebtRelief.org

A nonprofit resource offering free evaluations, DIY tools, debt-consolidation guidance, and local assistance for Maryland residents.
Includes rights information and general options on budgeting and handling overwhelming loan payments.

5. SmartStart Maryland

An umbrella portal connecting students to these key programs:

• SmartSave – A guide to grants, scholarships, and education‑fund grants via MHEC
• SmartWork – Student loan repayment benefits for Maryland state employees in shortage areas
• Links to SmartBuy and Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit pages

6. Federal Programs & National Nonprofit Support

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Federal forgiveness after 120 qualifying payments under approved plans and employers (e.g. public service, nonprofits)
• Income‑Driven Repayment (SAVE, IBR, etc.): Includes the SAVE plan (interest resumed August 1, 2025), options for IDR forgiveness, and alternatives like RAP launching 2026
• National Credit Counseling: The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) offers licensed counseling and financial coaching in all states