Millions of student loan borrowers missed first payment after pandemic pause

Almost 9 million borrowers missed their first student loan payment that they were supposed to make following the pandemic pause that ended this year, according to the Education Department. 

Twenty-two million people had student loan payments due in October. Roughly 40% missed the first payment that was supposed to be made in October, according to The Daily Wire. 

“Some are confused or overwhelmed about their options. We want to make sure borrowers know that our top priority is to support student loan borrowers as they return to repayment,” the department said.

The payment pause started in March 2020 and ended in October 2023.

Student loan forgiveness was a major topic for President Joe Biden when he ran for office. He managed to forgive up to $116 billion in student loans for more than 3.4 million people. 

However in June, the Supreme Court struck down the Biden administration's $430 billion student debt relief plan, arguing it was unconstitutional.