VA disability
Yes, if the VA determined that you are unemployable due to a service-connected condition. As of August 2019, veterans with a service-connected disability are eligible to have their federal student loans automatically forgiven without an application.
SSA Disability
A Social Security disability decision is sufficient evidence for a federal student loan discharge if you have a disability status that falls within SSA’s medical improvement not expected (MINE) category. Borrowers within SSA’s MINE category have their medical review within 5 to 7 years. As of August 2021, these borrowers are eligible for a no-application automatic disability discharge.
Borrowers who do not fall into the MINE category must submit a completed Total and Permanent Disability Discharge (TPD) application with a physician certification. As of September 2022, the Department of Education has proposed important reforms to the disability discharge program that will expand automatic discharges to many other SSA borrowers who are not in the MINE category.
