Disability Discharge
If a disability permanently limits your ability to work and earn, federal law says you don't have to keep repaying your student loans. Our attorneys help you access the Total and Permanent Disability discharge — completely free.
Programs available to you
The Total and Permanent Disability discharge is one of the most complete forms of relief available in student loan law. The federal government created this program because it recognizes that when someone can no longer work, continuing to collect on their student debt is neither practical nor just. If you qualify, every dollar of your federal student loans is wiped out — and for veterans and Social Security recipients, the documentation process is often simpler than you'd expect.
This is a full discharge of all your federal student loans. If your condition prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity and is expected to continue indefinitely, you qualify. The discharge covers all federal loan types — Direct, FFEL, and Perkins — and also applies to TEACH Grant obligations. — Full discharge
If the Department of Veterans Affairs has rated you as 100% service-connected disabled, your federal student loan discharge is essentially automatic. You submit your VA documentation and we handle everything from there. No additional proof of disability is required beyond what the VA has already established. — For veterans
If you receive SSI or SSDI benefits and Social Security has assigned you a medical review date of "medical improvement not expected," you qualify automatically. Our attorneys help you gather and submit the right SSA documentation to process your discharge as efficiently as possible. — SSI / SSDI recipients
If you don't have a VA or SSA designation but a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant can certify that your condition currently prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful employment and is expected to continue indefinitely, you can still qualify for discharge through this pathway. — Medical certification
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The process
You don't need to manage paperwork, deal with the servicer, or know anything about the application process. Our attorneys identify your pathway and handle everything from there.
We review whether you qualify through VA documentation, Social Security designation, or physician certification — and determine which pathway gives you the strongest, fastest application.
We request exactly the records needed — VA decision letters, SSA benefit documentation, or physician certification forms — and organize them for a complete, accurate application.
Our attorneys prepare and submit your complete application to the Department of Education's TPD servicer on your behalf. Everything is verified before submission to avoid delays.
We monitor your application status, respond to any requests from the servicer, and follow up until your discharge is confirmed and your loans show a balance of zero.
Real results
$76,000
"I had a 100% service-connected rating for years and no one ever told me this could erase my loans. The attorneys filed the paperwork and it was resolved in under five months." — James R. · Army veteran · Approved 2024
$52,000
"SSDI with 'not expected to improve' status. I didn't know I qualified. The attorneys handled the entire process and my balance hit zero in four months." — Maria L. · SSDI recipient · Approved 2023
$38,000
"No VA or SSA status, just a physician who certified my permanent condition. The attorneys knew exactly how to build and submit the application." — Thomas K. · Neuromuscular condition · Approved 2024
Common questions
There is a post-discharge monitoring period during which new income above certain thresholds could theoretically trigger reinstatement. Our attorneys explain the full terms and help you understand what to watch for and how to protect your discharge going forward.
The standard is based on your current condition and whether your disability is expected to last indefinitely or result in death. If a physician certifies your current status, you can apply. Our attorneys will help you assess the timing and choose the right pathway.
TPD discharge only applies to federal student loans. If you have private loans, our attorneys pursue separate options including hardship negotiations and settlement with private lenders.
Federal student loan discharges due to disability have been treated as tax-free under recent legislation. Tax rules can change, so we always recommend confirming with a tax professional when you file your return for the discharge year.
You may still qualify through the physician certification pathway or through a future SSA review. Our attorneys review your full documentation and identify the strongest pathway available to you.
VA and SSA pathway cases are often resolved within a few months once the correct documentation is submitted. Physician certification cases may take a bit longer. Our attorneys manage the entire process and keep you updated throughout.
From the blog
Disability Relief
A current guide to TPD discharge through VA, SSA, or medical documentation, including matching, applications, post-discharge rules, refunds, denial re-evaluation, and federal taxes.
Disability Relief
Veterans may qualify for TPD discharge through a 100% disabling service-connected determination or individual unemployability. Learn the current matching and post-discharge rules.
Disability Relief
A TPD application may be certified by several authorized medical professionals. Learn the federal disability standard, the 90-day filing deadline, and re-evaluation rules.
If a disability is making it impossible to move forward, our attorneys will review your situation for free and tell you whether you can qualify for a full discharge — before you commit to anything.
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