The Ombuds Observer

February 2026 | Edition 008

Welcome to the February 2026 issue of The Ombuds Observer! Each issue brings helpful tips and timely updates on education loans, as well as a few insights to make the whole process a little less overwhelming. We’re glad you’re here!

Spotlight

Connecticut's Student Loan Reimbursement Program Application Portal Reopens

The Connecticut Office of Higher Education (CT OHE) is now accepting applications for the Student Loan Reimbursement Program (SLRP) for payments made toward student loans during 2025. The program awards applicants on a first-come, first-serve basis up to $5,000 of reimbursement toward payments made in 2025 with a maximum reimbursement cap of $20,000 over four years.

Connecticut borrowers interested in applying will do so through the CT SCHOLARS portal. Through the portal, applicants can: create an account; complete the application; and upload required documents. Check out the links below for detailed program information.

Program Information

Program FAQ

How to Apply

Up to

$5,000 per year | $20,000 max | 4 Years

Legislative Updates

Governor Lamont Proposes Establishment of Connecticut Supplemental Graduate Student Loan Program

2/12/2026 – Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has announced that he has submitted legislation to the Connecticut General Assembly to establish the Connecticut Supplemental Graduate Student Loan Program. This state-funded program is aimed at students enrolling in graduate programs of study with the goal of ensuring that those students continue to have access to low-interest loans.

Effective July 1, 2026, as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA/OB3), graduate student borrowers will be able to borrow a maximum of $20,500 annually, or $100,000 total. Students pursuing a “professional” degree will be able to borrow a maximum of $50,000 annually, or $200,000 total. New borrowers (borrowers who have not previously borrowed prior to July 1, 2026) additionally will also not have access to Graduate PLUS loan funding, with the program sunsetting entirely for all borrowers by June 30, 2028. Graduate PLUS funding has historically been the sole federal loan program dedicated to helping graduate and professional students finance the full cost of attendance for their program of study.

Gov. Lamont’s proposal allocates $10 million in bonding to launch the program and would be administered by the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA). The proposal is included in Senate Bill 85 and has been submitted to the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee with a public hearing expected to be scheduled within the next several weeks.

...Creating this loan program at the state-level is a way that we can help ensure that the opportunity for people to seek graduate degrees is still obtainable and not only for those whose families have the means.

Gov. Ned Lamont

Smart Moves

We're going to keep these tips pinned as helpful reminders as we head toward the upcoming student loan changes that will be effective July 1, 2026.

Check Your Repayment Status

Log on to Federal Student Aid to understand whether you are in default, delinquent, or in a repayment plan — and check if wage garnishment or tax refund offset notices apply to you.

Explore Alternative Repayment Plans

With SAVE ending and Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) options changing, consider whether Income-Based Repayment (IBR) or other plans suit your income and goals.

Plan for Potential Tax Liability

If you’re nearing forgiveness under an IDR plan, consult a tax professional about the impact of taxable forgiveness in 2026.

Stay Informed on Processing Delays

Because of legal challenges and plan revisions, applications and forgiveness processing may be delayed — stay in close contact with your servicer.

Office Buzz

Five-Part Webinar Series with Student Debt Crisis Center Continues!

Earlier this month, our office kicked off the start of our free five-part webinar series in partnership with Student Debt Crisis Center (SDCC). Thank you so much to everyone who has joined us for this series thus far! We’re thrilled to offer this in-depth dive into student loan administration, repayment, and helping Connecticut borrowers navigate the changes to come.

Our series continues next month with “Parent PLUS Loans: Upcoming Deadlines, Major Changes, and More”, a comprehensive breakdown of all the changes to come for Parent PLUS loan funding, including changes to repayment plan options, upcoming deadlines, and more. Registration information is below.

We hope you can join us!