How old must a federal student loan be before it is uncollectable?

Answer 1

There are only a few conditions in which a Federal Student Loan would be considered "uncollectable" or would be discharged/cancelled. The two main conditions would be permanent disability or death.

As long as the loans you took out were Federal Student Loans in the event of total and permanent disability you would have your Federal Student Loan debt discharged or cancelled. You must provide proof of this total and permanent disability through medical documents stating the permanent and total disability.

In the event of death your Federal Student Loans would be discharged also; they would not be paid for by your estate or have to be paid off by your next of kin as long as they are Federal Student Loans. For more information on other types of discharge/cancellation of Federal Student Loans please see the source below.

Answer 2

I do not believe that federal student loans become uncollectable with time. However, I do believe that there is a clause that they don't have to be paid once the borrower turns 65 or dies.

Answer 3

Actually, dying won't get you off the hook. It will be paid from your estate, assuming that your estate has sufficient assets to cover it. If not, the excess will be uncollectible -- and the beneficiaries of your will will get ZIP!

Answer 4

It must be at least one day older than the day on which you die. In other words, they are collectible for as long as you are alive.