Introduction — Why this matters now
If you or a loved one in Los Angeles has student loans and a disabling condition, the Department of Education’s recent changes to how Total & Permanent Disability (TPD) discharges are processed are important. The TPD process was moved onto StudentAid.gov as part of a broader servicing modernization; that transition—which included a temporary pause in certain processing steps—was completed in the spring of 2025. This change affects where you apply, how you track an application, and how loan holders receive automated notifications about TPD status.
This article summarizes the key dates, what the transition means for Los Angeles borrowers, how to check or submit a TPD application, what to expect during post‑discharge monitoring, and where to get free or low‑cost help in Los Angeles.
What changed (quick summary)
- Servicing moved to StudentAid.gov: The TPD application portal and case tracking are now on StudentAid.gov, so borrowers should use that site (or call the TPD support line) to submit or check an application.
- Transition timeline: The Department paused some TPD processing beginning Dec. 20, 2024 while systems were updated. The transition to Federal Student Aid (FSA) processing on StudentAid.gov completed in March 2025. Processing resumed after the transition.
- Loan‑holder/servicer workflow changed: The Department now manages the TPD workflow and will send Loan Holder Notification (LHN) files via the Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG) from a new mailbox (TGEE778). Loan holders must receive LHN files through SAIG (email delivery is no longer supported). This affects how servicers learn that a loan should be placed in TPD forbearance or discharged.
What Los Angeles borrowers should do now — step by step
Actionable steps for borrowers in Los Angeles (and California generally):
- Use StudentAid.gov for applications and tracking. Start or check your TPD application at StudentAid.gov (the TPD application and document upload tool live there). If you previously used a contractor portal (for example, disabilitydischarge.com), move to StudentAid.gov for the authoritative status.
- Keep documentation and contact info current. Upload awards/SSA or VA documentation or physician certifications to your StudentAid.gov account and make sure your address and phone number are current—mistakes here slow processing.
- If you’re mid‑process, check for transfer or processing delays. Some borrowers experienced delays or requests for resubmitted documents during the transition; if your account shows inconsistent information between StudentAid.gov and your servicer, keep records of dates and copies of uploads and communications. If a servicer says it has no record, confirm your StudentAid.gov application receipt date before escalating.
- Call the TPD support line if you need help: the Department’s TPD discharge number is 1‑888‑303‑7818. Use that line for status questions tied to the federal TPD application.
Keep copies (screenshots, PDFs) of every upload and every correspondence: date‑stamped evidence helps if records are lost during transfers between servicers and agencies.
Timing, monitoring periods, loan transfers, and tax notes
Monitoring and discharge timing: The underlying eligibility rules for TPD (SSA/VA documentation or a medical professional certification showing inability to engage in substantial gainful activity) remain unchanged. In most cases when a discharge is approved based on SSA evidence or a physician certification, there is a three‑year post‑discharge monitoring period during which certain events (for example, receiving a new federal student loan or earning employment income above an established threshold) can cause reinstatement of the loan obligation. VA‑based discharges often do not have a monitoring period. See StudentAid.gov's TPD materials for the precise rules that apply to your case.
Loan assignments and transfers: Loan assignment (i.e., sending TPD loans to the new federal TPD servicer) was suspended during the platform transition but FSA announced that loan transfers and updated assignment procedures resumed once features were available; loan holders can now submit outstanding TPD assignments held since Dec. 20, 2024. If you were told your discharge was approved but your servicer’s balance or status has not changed, transfers between servicers may still be in progress—confirm dates on StudentAid.gov and with your servicer.
Tax treatment: For federal income‑tax purposes, balances discharged under TPD were excluded from taxable income for discharges received between Jan. 1, 2018 and Dec. 31, 2025 under federal law in effect during that period. If your discharge date for tax purposes falls after that window, check IRS guidance or consult a tax advisor about possible tax consequences. (When the discharge is subject to a monitoring period, the discharge is often considered final for tax purposes at the end of that monitoring period.) See your tax advisor for personal advice.
Local Los Angeles resources and where to get free help
If you live in Los Angeles County and need help with a TPD application, documentation, or an appeal, consider these resources:
- Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA): LAFLA provides representation and assistance on student‑loan discharge and debt issues; they have handled cases that raise systemic problems with federal discharge processing. If you qualify, LAFLA can help gather evidence and interact with the Department of Education.
- California Student Loan Empowerment Network & DFPI resources: The California DFPI operates a Student Loan Empowerment Network (SLE Network) and a borrower help portal that connects Californians to community‑based organizations that can provide free help or referrals. You can use state resources to find local legal aid organizations or counseling agencies that assist with federal discharge paperwork.
- Los Angeles city/county programs: Some municipal programs list student‑debt resources and referral hotlines; if you work with a local legal or social services provider, ask them to assist with document uploads to StudentAid.gov and with contacting the TPD discharge support line on your behalf.
When you contact local providers, be ready to share (securely) your StudentAid.gov account activity log, the date of any approval notices, copies of SSA/VA documentation or physician statements, and any correspondence with servicers. These records make it faster for a legal advocate to help you.
Common borrower questions (short FAQ)
Q: I was approved for TPD but my servicer still shows a balance—what do I do?
A: Confirm your approval and approval date on StudentAid.gov. If the Department approved the discharge but your servicer has not updated the account, gather proof (StudentAid.gov approval notice screenshot, approval letter, dates) and contact the TPD support line (1‑888‑303‑7818) and your servicer. If that fails, contact a local legal aid group or file a complaint with the California DFPI (if you're a California resident). Keep detailed notes of phone calls (name, date, time).
Q: Will the program rules (eligibility/monitoring) change because of the transition?
A: No. The eligibility criteria and the legal framework for TPD remain in federal regulations—the transition changes how the Department administers the program (portal, servicer assignments, LHN files), not the statutory eligibility tests. Always check StudentAid.gov for up‑to‑date guidance.
Q: Who do I contact in Los Angeles for help?
A: Start with the DFPI Student Loan Empowerment Network intake or a local legal aid group such as the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles. If you believe your servicer or the Department misplaced documents, an attorney or advocate can help request a timeline and escalate.
If you want, we can prepare a short checklist you can print or bring to an intake appointment (documents to gather, sample email/text logs, and a one‑page timeline template).