Free Virtual Sessions To Cover Federal Student Loan Changes, Repayment Options, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and Transitioning Out of SAVE Plan
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Student Loan Ombudsperson Michelle Jarvis-Lettman today announced that the Connecticut Office of the Student Loan Ombudsperson, in partnership with the Student Debt Crisis Center, will be providing Connecticut residents with a series of free virtual webinars to help them better understand student loan repayment and forgiveness options amid continuing changes to federal student loan programs.
According to an April 2026 report from the Connecticut Office of the State Comptroller citing U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid data, approximately 521,400 Connecticut residents hold $19.8 billion in federal student loan debt. Borrowers between the ages of 25 and 49 account for approximately $12.6 billion of that debt, while Connecticut borrowers age 62 and older hold approximately $2 billion in federal student loan debt.
“Student loan debt affects Connecticut residents of all ages, and navigating repayment can become even more challenging when federal programs and requirements change,” Governor Lamont said. “These webinars will give borrowers access to clear, reliable information about the options available to them so they can make informed decisions about their financial futures.”
“Student loan borrowers should not have to navigate this overbearing federal student loan system alone,” Ombudsperson Jarvis-Lettman said. “Borrowers should have a trustworthy advocate who will provide guidance and compassion while they make financial decisions for their education.”
Ombudsperson Jarvis-Lettman added that her office’s goal is to make complicated student loan information easier to understand and provide Connecticut residents with practical information they can use to evaluate their options and determine their next steps.
The webinars will be held virtually and are free and open to Connecticut residents. Participants must register separately for each session and may register for multiple webinars. The series includes:
- September 23, 2026, at 12PM: Understanding July 1 Changes (Register for webinar)
- October 22, 2026, at 12PM: Entering Repayment (Register for webinar)
- November 5, 2026, at 12PM: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (Register for webinar)
- November 19, 2026, at 12PM: Exiting the SAVE Plan and Other Repayment Options (Register for webinar)
Ombudsperson Jarvis-Lettman said that the sessions will focus on providing borrowers with information on recent federal student loan changes, general repayment options, entering repayment, Public Service Loan Forgiveness and repayment options for borrowers transitioning out of the SAVE plan. Borrowers can also book one-on-one appointments (phone call or virtual) with the office by using the Online Appointment Booking Portal.
Effective July 1, 2026, the Connecticut Office of the Student Loan Ombudsperson transitioned into a division of the Connecticut Office of Higher Education. It previously operated as an entity within the Connecticut Department of Banking.
“Helping Connecticut students and families make higher education more affordable is a major part of the Office of Higher Education’s mission,” Connecticut Higher Education Commissioner Timothy D. Larson said. “We do that through several financial aid programs and grants, as well as our Student Loan Reimbursement Program, which is helping residents reduce the burden of student loan debt. With the Office of the Student Loan Ombudsperson now located within the Office of Higher Education, we have another important resource to help borrowers understand their options, navigate repayment and make informed financial decisions.”
In addition to the resources available through the Office of the Student Loan Ombudsperson, the Office of Higher Education administers the Student Loan Reimbursement Program, which provides eligible Connecticut residents with reimbursement for qualifying student loan payments. Connecticut residents who attended an eligible Connecticut college or university and complete 50 hours of volunteer service may qualify for reimbursement of up to $5,000 for student loan payments made in 2025, subject to program eligibility requirements and available funding.
For additional information and student loan resources in Connecticut, visit the Connecticut Office of Higher Education and the Office of the Student Loan Ombudsperson.