Federal Government Shutdown: What Does it Mean for CT Borrowers?

The federal government entered a partial shutdown on October 1, 2025. This month we’re exploring the potential impact the shutdown may have on Connecticut borrowers. Here’s what we know so far:

• Information on StudentAid.gov may not be maintained, and inquiries may not receive a response
• FAFSA forms can still be submitted
• You should continue to make payments on your federal student loans
• Payment counts and qualifying employment certifications for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) will continue
• Applications for forgiveness will see delays

We strongly recommend and encourage borrowers to keep documentation of student loan payments, employment certifications, and any correspondence with your loan servicer or Federal Student Aid (FSA). 

As the shutdown continues, we will continue to monitor the impact on our borrowers and will post information on our website as it becomes available.

Class of 2025, Get Ready: Student Loan Repayment Starts This Fall

Did you recently complete your degree and graduate in May 2025? If so, you may have received notification from your student loan servicer that payment on your student loan(s) will start November 2025.

Our Student Loan Repayment Guide is a fantastic resource for detailed information on current repayment options.

Want to know the status of your student loan(s)? Log on to Student Aid today.

US Dept of Education’s Office of the Ombudsman Has a New Name and New Goals

The US Department of Education has renamed its Office of the Ombudsman to become the Office of Consumer Education and Ombudsman. Previously the office focused primarily on handling borrower complaints. Going forward it will also work proactively to educate students, families, and borrowers about the risks and benefits of federal student loan borrowing. 

Additionally, they announced they will develop a Common Manual for the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program and aim to complete development by July 1, 2026, aligned with the rollout of the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) under proposed legislation. 

2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Is Live!

Connecticut residents planning to attend a college or university between 7/1/2026 and 6/30/2027 can now complete the 2026-2027 FAFSA!

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines your eligibility for federal student aid. Students who want to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs should complete the FAFSA. Be sure to check with your college or university financial aid office for any priority deadlines or additional information needed. 

Negotiated Rulemaking Updates

The Department of Education convened Session 1 of the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee on 9/29/2025 – 10/3/2025 to discuss the changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB).

For information that was submitted by the Department of Education and the Committee negotiators from Session 1 click here.

Session 2 Dates and Times:

November 3 – 7, 2025

9:00 am – 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET

Additional session information coming soon.