Total and Permanent Disability Discharge | CancelMyStudentDebt! (2024)

The Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Discharge program allows borrowers who have a disability that prevents them from being able to work or engage in “substantially gainful activity” to receive a full loan discharge. The rules have been expanded and those changes will go into effect July 1, 2023.

There are three ways to qualify for a TPD discharge, some are automatic (or, require no action on your part). These are:

  • Veteran Affairs Disability: If you have been certified as 100% disabled by the VA, you automatically qualify for a discharge.

  • Social Security Administration: If you are eligible for Social Security Administration Disability benefits or Supplemental Social Security Income, you may qualify for TPD discharge. Some of these discharges may be automatic.

  • Physician’s Certification: Your physician (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) must submit a form certifying that you are unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that:

While there is currently a 3-year income monitoring period in effect; the new rules going into effect on July 1, 2023, get rid of this requirement. The new rules also expand the SSA benefits that qualify one for TPD discharge.

You can apply for TPD online here and find more information on the application process here.

For more information, visit the following resources:

Total and Permanent Disability Discharge | CancelMyStudentDebt! (2024)

FAQs

What qualifies for TPD discharge? ›

To get TPD discharge, you must show that you have a disability that severely limits your ability to work, now and in the future. This can be a physical or a mental disability. In most cases, you'll have to provide specific kinds of proof of your disability.

How soon can you work after a TPD discharge? ›

If you are approved for TPD discharge based on Social Security Administration (SSA) documentation or a licensed medical professional's certification, you will be subject to a 3-year post-discharge monitoring period that begins on the date the discharge is approved.

Can you go back to school after TPD discharge? ›

You can go back to school and get a new Direct Loan or TEACH Grant after getting a TPD discharge. But to do so, you must do the following: Give your school a letter from a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy/osteopathic medicine stating that you are once again able to engage in substantial gainful activity.

What happens after TPD 3 year monitoring? ›

If you take out any new federal loans within the three year post-discharge monitoring period, your loans will be reinstated. If you don't take out new loans, your discharge will officially go through at the end of those 3 years.

What qualifies for TPD? ›

TPD coverage commonly provides financial benefits to those who are no longer able to work in their usual occupation or any other occupation they are reasonably suited to due to mental or physical disability or ill health.

Can you work with 100% VA disability permanent and total? ›

Yes, if you are a disabled Veteran with a 100% permanent and total disability rating you can work and there are no income restrictions, but there is one exception. The exception is if you have a 100% Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) rating you cannot work and draw VA disability benefits.

How many months does TPD claim take? ›

A typical TPD payout takes between six and 12 months. Generally, only complex claims and those with a higher lump sum payout take longer.

What can I do with my TPD payout? ›

If your TPD insurance claim is approved, the lump sum is usually paid into your superannuation fund. From here, you can opt to transfer all or part of the balance to your regular bank account or leave it with the rest of your super fund.

How do I know if I'm total and permanent disability? ›

You can refer to your last VA award letter or log into Ebenefits and review your summary of benefits. Your tax abatement letter or summary of benefits will state if you are permanently and totally disabled.

Can you get a TPD discharge twice? ›

TPD discharge can only be used once. Additionally, if you decide to apply for federal loans to get another degree, the previously forgiven loans will be reinstated.

How long does it take for a TPD application to be approved? ›

How long does the total and permanent disability (TPD) discharge application process take? It typically takes less than 30 days to review the TPD discharge application. If your discharge application is incomplete or if a physician's response is held up, it can cause delays in the review process.

Can you receive pell grant after TPD discharge? ›

The TPD discharge does not affect the student's eligibility for other federal student aid, such as the Federal Pell Grant or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).

What is the disadvantage of TPD? ›

Other weaknesses of owning TPD insurance through superannuation include: TPD policies that provide additional ancillary lump sum benefits, such as loss of one limb or sight in one eye, without requiring the member to also satisfy the permanent incapacity requirement, are not able to be provided through superannuation.

Can debt be forgiven due to disability? ›

If you are not able to work due to a disability or ongoing medical condition, you may be able to have your federal student loan debt canceled or forgiven through the Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) program.

What happens after a TPD discharge is approved? ›

If your request for TPD discharge is approved, the wage garnishments and/or Treasury Offset payments will be discontinued at that time. The suspension of collection activity will give you time to complete and submit the TPD discharge application.

What is considered to be a permanent disability? ›

If your treating doctor says you will never recover completely or will always be limited in the work you can do, you may have a permanent disability. This means that you may be eligible for permanent disability (PD) benefits. You don't have to lose your job to be eligible for PD benefits.

What is a condition not a disability discharge? ›

CONDITION NOT A DISABILITY - 6203.2

When a Marine's physical performance or mental condition deteriorates or has an adverse effect on others in the unit. Separation may not be initiated until Marine has been counseled per 6105 and allowed an opportunity to correct the deficiency.

What illness does TPD cover? ›

TPD is a lump sum insurance benefit which is paid to you if you suffer an illness or injury that leaves you totally and permanently disabled. If you are diagnosed with a terminal illness a benefit is paid to you, which is an advance of your death benefit, provided your death cover has not ceased.

What counts as TPD? ›

Key Takeaways. Total permanent disability (TPD) is a condition in which an individual is no longer able to work due to injuries. Insurance companies classify disability as temporary or permanent and pay out benefits accordingly.

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