Does being on disability get me out of paying student loans?

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Question:

I have severe back problems and was recently granted Social Security disability benefits. I heard that I can also automatically get rid of my student loan debt. Is that true?

Answer:

Not so fast. You can apply for a disability discharge of your student loan debt, but the Department of Education (DOE) can be pretty tightfisted about granting these discharges. The fact that the Social Security Administration has already recognized that you're unable to work doesn't bind DOE in the least.

To apply for a discharge, start with the Department of Education website at www.ed.gov. There you'll find a copy of the disability discharge form. You will need to accompany this with a statement from your doctor that you are permanently and totally disabled.