CFPB Issues Student Loan Payback Playbook

April 28, 2016

On Thursday, April 28, 2016, the CFPB released its student loan Payback Playbook, a set of prototype disclosures designed to outline a path to affordable payments for borrowers trying to avoid student debt distress.  The Payback Playbook provides borrowers with personalized information about their repayment options from loan servicers so they can secure a monthly payment they can afford.  The Payback Playbook would be available to borrowers on their monthly bills, in regular email communications from their student loan servicers, or when they log into their student loan accounts.

“Millions of consumers needlessly fall behind on their student loan debt, despite their right under federal law to a payment they can afford,” said CFPB Director Richard Cordray.  “The Payback Playbook, which has grown out of our joint work with Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and her colleagues, is designed to help ensure student loan servicers provide personalized information, tailored to the borrower’s individual situation. This will help these borrowers take action, stay on track, and steer clear of financial distress.”

The Payback Playbook is available online and the public can provide feedback on the disclosures through June 12, 2016.