A FINAL BREAK FOR STUDENT BORROWERS

if you’ve been dreading the resumption of student-loan payments next year, breathe a little easier: The pause on paying back federal loans has been extended into 2023, possibly until August, pending the resolution of litigation over President Joe Biden’s student-debt forgiveness plan. The debt-relief measure, which could wipe out up to $20,000 in debt per borrower, was struck down in November by a Texas judge. Now, the Department of Justice has asked the Supreme Court to intervene and Biden doesn’t feel it is “fair to ask tens of millions of borrowers eligible for relief to resume their student debt payments while the courts consider the lawsuit.” Payments will restart no earlier than 60 days after the court drama ends or 60 days after June 30, if the litigation has not been resolved before then. This means student loan holders could see the original Covid-inspired benefit extended by another eight months on top of the 33-month freeze they’ve already enjoyed. k.r.