For the Hub City Times

MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Commerce, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) are hosting free online student debt relief workshops on 20 and January 21. These workshops will help student borrowers prepare for the end of the federal student loan payment break on May 1.

“With the resumption of student loan repayments in May, it is more important than ever for borrowers to explore their student loan repayment options and develop a repayment plan today,” the DFI Secretary said. , Kathy Blumenfeld. “Borrowers should take the time now while payments are still on hold to review repayment options such as income-driven repayment plans, which can lower monthly payments, and verify their eligibility for student loan forgiveness. .”

The workshops will also show how to avoid scams.

“As student loan repayments resume, borrowers should watch for dishonest offers of loan forgiveness or consolidation savings from debt relief scammers,” said DATCP Secretary Randy Romansky. “Borrowers with questions should attend these informational workshops to learn about the many resources consumers can access without paying a fee.”

To attend the “Student Debt Relief Workshop: How to Avoid Scams, Use Free Repayment Tools, and Save Money” on January 20 from 6-7:30 p.m. and January 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., visit datcp.wi .gov on the homepage and look under “Press Releases.”

Student borrowers can find additional free repayment resources at LookForwardWI.gov. Student borrowers who have been the victim of a scam should report it by filing a complaint online, emailing [email protected], or calling the DATCP Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-422-7128 .