If you find yourself among the 43 million Americans burdened by student loan debt, you may be contemplating the consequences of withholding loan payments to retain more funds in your bank account. You might wonder, could skipping those student loan payments be a viable option?
Regrettably, failing to meet your student loan obligations can lead to a lot of negative consequences. Despite the temporary leniency displayed during the pandemic, student loan delinquency can still have severe consequences on your financial well-being, credit score and many other things.
Here’s what happens if you suddenly stop paying your student loans.
1. Lower credit score
Failing to meet your student loan obligations will inevitably harm your credit score, a situation with far-reaching implications as your creditworthiness plays a pivotal role in various aspects of your life. Your credit score serves as a gauge of your financial responsibility and can influence a wide array of decisions made by entities ranging from landlords to lenders.
The repercussions of a damaged credit score extend well beyond just loan eligibility. Landlords often scrutinize credit histories when assessing rental applications, with a lower score potentially hindering your ability to secure a desirable apartment or home.
Moreover, lenders rely heavily on credit scores when determining interest rates for loans, meaning that a reduced score can lead to higher borrowing costs, ultimately impacting your financial stability.
Additionally, insurance providers may utilize credit information to set premiums, potentially increasing the cost of coverage.
2. Difficulty getting a job
As your credit score takes a nosedive due to missed payments, you could encounter challenges in your job search. Numerous employers conduct financial background checks before extending offers, particularly for roles granting access to the company’s financial resources.
Employers prioritize hiring individuals who demonstrate responsibility and organization, and for some, failing to meet student loan obligations may be perceived as a lack of financial responsibility.
In today’s competitive job market, a damaged credit history can be a red flag for employers, potentially influencing their hiring decisions. Roles that involve handling company finances, in particular, often require candidates with impeccable financial records to manage the organization’s assets.
3. Ineligible for a government-backed mortgage
Once your student loans slip into default, you’ll inadvertently disqualify yourself from accessing federally-backed mortgage programs. The rationale behind this is quite straightforward: if you already have unpaid government debts, the federal government becomes understandably reluctant to extend further financial assistance.
It’s essential to note that private student loans may not find their way into the government’s credit-reporting database. However, the consequences of defaulting on them are no less significant. Defaulting on private student loans can inflict damage on your credit score, rendering you a less appealing candidate when you apply for a mortgage.
In essence, while the repercussions of defaulting on private student loans may not be as immediately evident as those tied to government loans, they can nonetheless cast a shadow over your financial prospects.
4. Deductions from your wage
The federal government expects repayment of the funds it provided for your education, and it possesses extensive means to ensure it gets reimbursed.
One of its powerful tools is wage garnishment, a process wherein the government can deduct money directly from your paycheck before it reaches your bank account. However, it’s important to note that wage garnishment typically becomes a consideration only if you fall nine months behind on your federal loans.
This nine-month grace period serves as a buffer, offering borrowers a window to address their financial challenges and seek alternative repayment arrangements before facing wage garnishment. During this period, it is advisable to explore options such as income-driven repayment plans or loan consolidation to prevent the government from taking such drastic measures.
Nonetheless, the federal government’s authority to garnish wages underscores its commitment to recouping the educational assistance it provided, emphasizing the importance of responsible loan management to avoid potential financial hardship down the road.
5. Calls from collectors
When you accumulate a significant number of missed student loan payments, your outstanding debt may be transferred to collection agencies. These agencies employ various communication channels, including phone calls, emails, postal mail, and text messages, to reach out to you in their pursuit of repayment.
It’s important to recognize that the involvement of collection agencies escalates the seriousness of the situation. If you continue to neglect repayment, the collection agency possesses the legal authority to take further action, including pursuing a lawsuit against you to recover the outstanding debt. This legal recourse underscores the urgency of addressing your missed student loan payments promptly.
It’s in your best interest to engage with these collection agencies and explore options to resolve your debt, such as negotiating a repayment plan. Ignoring their attempts at communication can lead to legal consequences and further financial distress. Thus, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to address your student loan debt and avoid the potentially severe consequences associated with default.
6. No loans in the future
It’s logical to assume that if you’ve failed to fulfill the repayment obligations for your initial student loan, securing a second one has very low chances.
Upon completing your education, departing from school, or falling below half-time enrollment status, a grace period of six months is typically granted before the start of your student loan repayment obligations. During this interval, you are not required to make payments, providing a transitional phase to help you prepare for the financial responsibilities associated with your student debt.
However, it’s essential to bear in mind that this grace period is not a permanent exemption from repayment. Instead, it gives you time to secure a stable financial footing and to create a repayment strategy. Neglecting to take advantage of this window could result in default and its consequences, including credit damage and collection actions.
Therefore, it’s advisable to use this grace period wisely, assessing your financial situation and exploring various repayment options to ensure you are prepared to meet your student loan obligations when they come due.
7. Penalties, fees & interest
While it might provide temporary relief, opting to skip student loan payments can ultimately prove to be a costly decision. This can translate into long-term financial consequences.
Late payments on federal loans, for instance, can result in late fees, which can be as high as 6% of your monthly payment. On the other hand, the specific amounts for late fees on private loans may vary but can also add up fast. In addition to late fees, accumulated interest on the outstanding balance can significantly increase your overall debt burden over time.
The consequences become even more severe if your account is sent to collections. Debt collectors often tack on substantial fees, typically exceeding 20% of the outstanding balance. These additional charges can further increase your financial strain, making it even more challenging to resolve your debt.
