Student loan borrowers experience significant burdens beyond their loans’ repayment costs, including servicer misconduct and inefficiency, an oblique collections process, and system complexities. In response to these difficulties, Oregon recently passed legislation creating a student loan ombuds within the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation. The legislation, codified in ORS 725A.500 through 725A.530, also requires federal and private student loan servicers operating in Oregon to obtain licensure with the Division.
The ombuds’ primary responsibilities include receiving and attempting to resolve consumer complaints against servicers, monitoring and recommending changes to the student loan policy landscape, and developing a comprehensive statewide education program for student loan borrowers.
Lane Thompson was hired in June 2022 to serve as Oregon’s first student loan ombuds. Since then, she has contributed to the development of a website for student loan borrowers and an online complaint form for borrowers to submit for consideration. In addition, Thompson has spoken directly with dozens of borrowers and given numerous presentations regarding her role and Oregon’s new student loan legislation. Thompson also ran a communications campaign about the since-expired waiver for expanded borrower eligibility under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
On August 24th, 2022, The Biden/Harris administration announced loan relief of up to $20,000 for eligible borrowers. This relief is blocked by federal appellate court orders, which the administration has appealed. SCOTUS will hear arguments on the relief program in February 2023. In response to the delay in implementation, the student loan repayment pause has been extended to June 30, 2023, or 60 days after the courts render a final decision. Once the payment pause expires, borrowers will be responsible for making loan payments, many for the first time. In addition, nearly half of all federal loans have recently been transferred to new servicers. Thompson strongly recommends that borrowers begin planning for the reinstated payments. This includes budgeting and confirming loan details with their current servicer.
Finally, the student loan industry is rife with scams. The Division recent published an alert to notify the public of their prevalence. More information regarding scams can be found on the Division’s student loan website, along with a list of borrower rights, links to resources, and responses to frequently-asked questions. The site also includes Thompson’s direct contact information.