The Daily Insight

Bringing clear, reliable news and in-depth information to keep you informed with context and clarity.

public affairs

What happens to student loans after Chapter 7 discharge?

Writer Sarah Duran

Most Student Loans Are Not Dischargeable in Bankruptcy In general, student loans are not dischargeable in bankruptcy. That means you will still owe them when your bankruptcy is over. (They used to be dischargeable after seven years of repayment, but Congress changed all that in 1998.)

Are private student loans discharged in Chapter 7?

On July 15, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled that private student loans are not explicitly exempt from a debtor’s Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge.

Does bankruptcy Clear student loans?

Most debtors won’t be able to discharge (wipe out) student loan debt in Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. However, if you can prove that repaying your student loans would cause an undue hardship to you, you can get rid of your student loans in bankruptcy.

Can student loans go into Chapter 7?

Under Chapter 7 bankruptcy, your student loans are not automatically discharged. To have your student loans considered for discharge, you can file a complaint to determine dischargeability, which initiates what’s known as an adversary proceeding. You (and an attorney) attempt to prove your case for financial hardship.

Can you discharge student loan debt in Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, if payment of your loans is not an undue hardship, you’ll still owe them when your bankruptcy case is over. Chapter 13 bankruptcy. If you can’t discharge your student loans, Chapter 13 bankruptcy provides some other ways that can help.

What kind of bankruptcy do you need for student loans?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, if payment of your loans is not an undue hardship, you’ll still owe them when your bankruptcy case is over. Chapter 13 bankruptcy. If you can’t discharge your student loans, Chapter 13 bankruptcy provides some other ways that can help.

How can I get my student loan discharged?

To find out the test used in your jurisdiction, talk to a local bankruptcy attorney. If you want to try to discharge your student loan in bankruptcy, you must file an adversary proceeding to determine dischargeability with the bankruptcy court. But that’s not all.

Can a student loan be discharged due to undue hardship?

Also, many courts look at the undue hardship test as all or nothing—either you qualify to get the whole loan discharged, or you don’t. Other courts have discharged a portion of a debtor’s student loan. Regardless of the test used, most courts are reluctant to discharge a student loan.