《2026年教育工作者贷款减免法案》

Would forgive 100% of federal student loans after five years for educators in high-need schools — the cap today is $17,500.

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Teachers, school leaders, and early childhood educators could have their whole federal student loan balance wiped out. After five years of full-time work in a high-need school or early childhood program, the government would pay off what is left. That includes interest and fees. Today the same program pays off at most $5,000. The limit is $17,500 for some math, science, and special education teachers. While you are still working, the government would also make your required monthly payment. Summer and other school breaks are covered. Under the Direct Loan program, interest would stop adding up during that work. Many more educators would qualify than do now. Early childhood educators, child care providers, and principals would be covered for the first time. A high-need school is one where more than 30 percent of children are counted as low income. Schools the state has flagged for extra support also count. So do Bureau of Indian Education schools, tribal schools, and Native Hawaiian education systems. Work you already did would count toward the five years. The years would no longer have to be in a row. Parent PLUS loans would be covered too. Educators who already got the smaller amount could apply again. If you leave the job early, you would not have to repay what the government covered. You would not get money back for payments you made yourself. The changes would start 180 days after the bill becomes law. The Education Department would have to run the program within 270 days. You would apply for the benefit. A school leader or program director would confirm your work. Family child care providers could confirm their own work with papers like a business license. The department would post a list of qualifying schools and programs. It would update the list each year. It would also have to tell educators, schools, and borrowers about the new benefit. It could skip the step where it works out new rules with borrowers and schools first. Months the government pays for you would also count toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness. That program clears federal loans after 120 payments, or about ten years of public service work.