US Dept. of Education launches beta test on student loan application

The US Department of Education on Friday began beta testing its student loan debt forgiveness application.

Applications were being accepted at StudentAid.gov to help the department refine its process ahead of the official launch of the Biden administration’s student debt relief program.

Forms submitted during the beta testing period will be accepted and do not need to be resubmitted when the department launches the final program, the department said.

A department spokesperson told CNBC that “this testing period will allow the department to monitor site performance through real-world use, test the site ahead of the official application launch, refine processes and uncover any possible bugs prior to official launch.”

The White House has continuously declared the application will roll out sometime in October, but has yet to set an official date.

Since announcing the historic student loan forgiveness for federal loan borrowers in August, President Biden rolled back some of the eligibility requirements.

In September, the administration announced it would not forgive debt from borrowers whose student loans are owned by private entities.

Several Republican-led states are fighting back against the student loan forgiveness program, claiming it is “unfair” to Americans saddled with other forms of debt not being forgiven or those who already paid their dues.