After a five-year pause, the government is restarting involuntary collections on defaulted federal student loans. The resumption of 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:student loan payments marks a major shift for millions of borrowers, especially women. They carry most of the country's student debt and typically earn less than men, both of which can make repaying loans harder.

Background on Student Loan Payments

Student loans were first paused in early 2020 to provide relief during the pandemic. The pause stopped payments and interest on most federal student loans, and it was extended several times under both the first Trump administration and the Biden administration.

After over three years, the pause officially ended on Sept. 1, 2023. Borrowers were given a 12-month "on-ramp" period during which missed payments weren't considered delinquent, reported to credit bureaus, placed in default, or sent to collection agencies. As of May 5, 2025, that grace period has passed.

Social and Demographic Factors

Women held nearly two-thirds of the nation's $1.6 trillion student debt in 2021, according to the American Association of University Women. With collections restarting, many 🦋women who relied on the payment pause now risk losing a portion of their paychecks or certain federal benefits if their loans aren't in good standing.

Additionally, 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:women often earn less than men, leaving them with fewer resources to repay their debts. Faced with suspended careers and caregiving demands, women take about two years longer to pay off their loans, which are approximately $2,000 higher on average compared to those of their male counterparts. Longer repayment terms and bigger balances⛦ also typically lead to payi🐲ng more in interest.

Race adds another dimension to this issue. Black women, for example, 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:borrow more for school than anyone and face a steeper wage gap. A 2022 study from the Education Trust found that 12 years after college, White men had paid off nearly half of their loan balances, while Black women owed 13% more than they’d originally borrowed.

The Bottom Line

As collections restart, now is the time for borrowers in default to explore their repayment options. Income-driven repayment (IDR) plans and 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:loan forgiveness programs may be able to offer some relief.

At the same time, there's still work to be done. Policymakers must take steps to close the gender wage gap and address other systemic issues that cause student debt inequality.