How to Apply for a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Discharge

Applying for a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) discharge is a procedural process, not a medical judgment call you make yourself. Once you apply, the Department of Education evaluates your documentation under one of three application paths and issues a written decision approving or denying the discharge.

Where you apply, which path you use, and how your documentation is submitted all affect how smoothly that process goes.

You can apply for a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) discharge in two ways: online or by paper form.

1. Online application. You can apply through your account at studentaid.gov. This is the fastest option. The online form guides you through the correct application path and allows you to upload supporting documents directly.

2. Paper application. You can also apply by submitting a paper application by mail or fax. If you choose this option, you must send the completed form and all supporting documentation to the address listed on the TPD discharge form, regardless of which federal loans you have.

TPD applications are processed through the Department of Education’s systems under the Federal Student Aid program. Borrowers are not able to choose or identify the specific contractor handling their application.

If you are unsure which application path applies to you, the online tool will route you to the correct section based on how you qualify.

You qualify for a TPD discharge based on documentation from the VA, the Social Security Administration, or a qualified medical professional.

You may apply based on:

• A determination by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

• A determination by the Social Security Administration (SSA)

• Certification from a qualified medical professional

The correct path depends on how your disability has already been documented, not on the diagnosis itself. If you qualify under more than one path, you may choose which one to use. Some paths are more streamlined than others, but all lead to the same type of discharge if approved.

Related: Which Disabilities Qualify for Total and Permanent Disability Forgiveness

You may apply for a TPD discharge if the VA has determined that you are unemployable due to a service-connected disability.

Some borrowers are identified through a data-matching program between the VA and the Department of Education and receive an automatic discharge unless they opt out. You do not have to wait for this process. If you believe you qualify, you may apply at any time.

If you apply using VA documentation, you must submit records showing:

• The disability is service-connected, and

• The VA has determined that you are totally disabled or unemployable due to that disability.

If an application is denied because the disability is not service-connected, you may reapply using a different TPD application path.

You may apply for a TPD discharge based on a qualifying disability determination from the Social Security Administration.

Some borrowers are identified through a data-matching program between SSA and the Department of Education and receive an automatic discharge without submitting an application. You are not required to wait for this process in order to apply.

If you apply manually, you must submit SSA documentation that confirms a qualifying disability status in a form the Department of Education can evaluate. The documentation must come directly from SSA.

If you are unable to apply using SSA documentation, you may instead apply using certification from a qualified medical professional.

This application path relies on a recent medical certification explaining how your condition prevents substantial gainful activity.

As of July 1, 2023, accepted certifiers include a physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or licensed psychologist at the independent practice level.

Timing matters. The completed application must be submitted within 90 days of the date the medical professional signs the certification. Submissions after that window require a new certification.

The certification must explain how the borrower’s condition prevents substantial gainful activity. Certifications that list a diagnosis without describing functional limitations may delay review or result in denial.

After submission, the Department of Education may request additional medical information or arrange a

Once the Department of Education is notified that you intend to apply for a TPD discharge, it begins reviewing the materials you submit.

After receiving a completed application, the Department evaluates the documentation to determine whether it meets the requirements for discharge. If information is missing or unclear, the Department must notify you and request additional material before making a decision.

There is no required deadline for issuing a decision. Processing time varies based on application completeness and whether third-party documentation is needed. You will receive written notice approving or denying the discharge.

Related: What Happens After You Apply for a Disability Discharge

Once the Department of Education is informed that you intend to apply for a TPD discharge, collection activity on Department-held loans is temporarily paused for administrative review.

This pause exists only to allow the application to be completed and evaluated. It is not approval, forgiveness, or permanent relief.

During this period:

• Payments are not required on Department-held loans.

• The pause begins when the Department becomes aware of your intent to apply.

• The pause ends if a completed application is not submitted within 120 days.

The pause ends once the Department issues a final approval or denial.

Related: How Student Loan Debt Collection Works

After reviewing a completed TPD application, the Department of Education issues a written decision approving or denying the request.

If approved, the discharge is applied to the eligible federal student loans and the borrower and loan holders are notified. What happens after approval is addressed separately.

If denied, the notice explains the reason for the decision. A denial does not permanently bar relief. You may reapply later if you qualify under a different application path or can submit corrected or additional documentation.

• StudentAid.gov — TPD Discharge Application Page

• StudentAid.gov — Automatic TPD discharge via VA / SSA Data Matching