Millions more remain in limbo, unsure if they will qualify for forgiveness. This uncertainty stems from multiple court battles led by Republican-controlled states, which have effectively blocked several vital programs to ease the burden on borrowers.

One of the primary targets is the SAVE plan, a new income-driven repayment program introduced by the Biden administration to lower monthly payments, reduce accumulating interest, and provide a clear pathway to student loan forgiveness. The program, aimed at helping borrowers manage their debt more effectively, was brought to a standstill when the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a nationwide injunction in August.

As a result, borrowers who enrolled in the SAVE plan have been placed in forbearance, during which no payments are required, and no interest will accrue. However, the downside is that these months will not count toward loan forgiveness under IDR plans or the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, effectively pausing the forgiveness clock for millions of borrowers.

Legal challenges surrounding the SAVE plan are far from resolved. After the Supreme Court declined to intervene, the case returned to the 8th Circuit, which will now hear arguments on October 24. A final decision, however, could take months or even years to materialize.

Many expect the case will eventually end up in the Supreme Court, potentially delaying any final resolution until the summer of 2025. If that timeline holds, borrowers could face an extended period—up to a year or more—without making payments, accruing interest, or earning credit toward loan forgiveness.

Beyond the SAVE plan, the Biden administration also faces setbacks in its broader debt relief efforts. A separate federal court in Georgia recently blocked the administration from implementing another forgiveness program expected to provide relief to borrowers who have been repaying loans for 20 or 25 years, suffered from runaway interest, or attended schools deemed to offer little value.

While this program has not been formally finalized, Republican-led states have preemptively challenged it, and a federal court temporarily halted its implementation. Legal proceedings are ongoing, and appeals will likely push this battle into 2025.

The outcome of these legal battles will determine whether millions of borrowers see any relief or continue to be burdened by student loan debt. The stakes are high: if the courts side with the Republican-led states, forgiveness programs like SAVE and other IDR plans could be severely limited or eliminated. The 8th Circuit’s ruling has even raised the possibility that loan forgiveness under unrelated programs, like PSLF, could also affect borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan.

The upcoming 2024 elections will further complicate the timeline. A change in the political landscape could significantly impact the future of student loan forgiveness programs. Former President Donald Trump has expressed opposition to Biden’s debt relief initiatives, and if he or another Republican takes office, they could work to dismantle these programs altogether. On the other hand, Vice President Kamala Harris, who has a strong record of defending borrowers as California’s Attorney General, has vowed to continue pushing for debt relief if elected.

The outcome of the 2024 elections could also shape the composition of Congress, which will play a critical role in determining the future of student loan forgiveness. A unified government under either party could lead to sweeping changes—from eliminating loan forgiveness programs under IDR and PSLF, as suggested by conservative think tanks, to the formal codification of Biden’s relief efforts, providing them with long-term legal protection.

In the meantime, borrowers remain in a state of uncertainty. The courts will move at their own pace, but millions are left wondering when or if they will see relief from the crushing burden of student debt.