内容摘要：save money beyond the $2,000 asset limit that’s linked to benefits like Supplemental Security Income and

save money beyond the $2,000 asset limit that’s linked to benefits like Supplemental Security Income and

If you or a family member is a victim of a scam, it’s good practice to report it on theThe Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.

NEW YORK (AP) — The 12-month grace period forborrowers ended on Sept. 30. The “on-ramp” period helped borrowers who are struggling to make payments avoid the risk of defaulting and hurting their credit score.“The end of the on-ramp period means the beginning of the potentially harsh consequences for student loan borrowers who are not able to make payments,” said Persis Yu, Deputy Executive Director at the Student Borrower Protection Center.

Around 43 million Americans have student loan debt, amounting to $1.5 trillion. Around eight million of those borrowers had enrolled in the SAVE plan, the newest income-driven repayment plan that extended the eligibility for borrowers to have affordable monthly student loan payments. However, this plan is currently on hold due to legal challenges.With the on-ramp period and a separate program known as Fresh Start ending and the SAVE plan on hold, student loan borrowers who are struggling to afford their monthly payments have fewer options, added Yu. Student loan borrowers who haven’t been able to afford their monthly payments must consider their options to avoid going into default.

If you have student loans, here’s what you need to know.

The Education Department implemented this grace period to ease the borrower’s transition to make payments after a three-year payment pause during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this year-long period, borrowers were encouraged to keep making payments since interest continued to accumulate.When Father Spyridon spent his longest period ever away last year – about five months, for surgeries – his eventual return was the talk of the towns. After he resumed his visits to tiny chapels and family-run coffee shops with the help of a gnarled walking stick, old and young alike rushed to greet him.

Orthodox Christian monk Father Spyridon of Amorgos, center, talks with islanders after the Divine Liturgy in the chapel of Panagia Evangelistria, in Amorgos island, Greece, March 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)Orthodox Christian monk Father Spyridon of Amorgos, center, talks with islanders after the Divine Liturgy in the chapel of Panagia Evangelistria, in Amorgos island, Greece, March 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)

Orthodox Christian monk Father Spyridon of Amorgos, right, Father Antonis and other faithful leave the chapel of Panagia Evangelistria, after participating in Divine Liturgy in Amorgos island, Greece, March 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)Orthodox Christian monk Father Spyridon of Amorgos, right, Father Antonis and other faithful leave the chapel of Panagia Evangelistria, after participating in Divine Liturgy in Amorgos island, Greece, March 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)