For the Hub City Times

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

“With student loan payments resuming in May, it is more important than ever for borrowers to explore their student loan repayment options and make a plan for repayment today,” said DFI Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld. “Borrowers should take time now while payments are still paused to look into repayment options such as income-driven repayment plans, which may lower monthly payments, and check their eligibility for student loan forgiveness.”

The workshops will also demonstrate how to avoid scams.

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

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

Student loan borrowers can find additional free repayment resources at LookForwardWI.gov. Student loan borrowers who have been the victim of a scam should report it by filing a complaint online, emailing datcphotline@wisconsin.gov, or calling DATCP’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-422-7128