After years of dormancy, student loan payments and interest have returned—reshaping the industry and creating new opportunity for those positioned to move.
If you’re in the debt relief, credit, or financial services space, this year has already delivered two turning points that dramatically affect how you serve borrowers. These changes didn’t just impact consumers—they revived a once-stalled market with clearer rules, fewer competitors, and stronger earning potential for those who act.
Let’s recap what changed—and what it means for you.
May 1: Payment Forbearance Officially Ended
As of May 1, 2025, the federal student loan forbearance period—originally introduced in response to the pandemic—was officially lifted. For the first time in over four years, federal servicers began automatically drafting payments from borrowers again.
Millions of borrowers who hadn’t paid since 2020 were suddenly back in repayment—many without the guidance they need to manage their options.
This created a widespread need for legitimate support: document preparation, income-driven repayment (IDR) enrollment, consolidation planning, and more.
August 1: Interest Charges Returned
On August 1, 2025, interest began accruing again on federal student loans.
- This ended one of the last remaining pandemic-era relief benefits.
- Borrowers under SAVE and similar plans saw their balances grow month to month—often unexpectedly.
The average increase in cost is estimated at $3,000–$4,000 per borrower, per year, depending on their balance and plan.
For many Americans, this has already translated into financial stress—and confusion about their options.
The Market Is Back—and Far Less Crowded
Here’s what hasn’t changed: borrowers still need help. But here’s what has:
Most providers left the space.
Years of lawsuits, regulatory uncertainty, and fear of enforcement pushed out even well-meaning service providers. What they didn’t know—and what most still don’t—is that the legal landscape has shifted dramatically.
There’s Now a Legal Blueprint for Operating in This Industry
A major federal court case—which we covered in detail in this blog post about Angela Mirabella’s legal victory—has given the industry a roadmap.
The verdict clarified:
- Upfront fees are legal when properly disclosed
- Charging credit cards is permitted
- The business model itself is valid—when run with transparency and compliance
Angela’s case didn’t just beat 86 out of 87 charges—it set the tone for what’s allowed. And Mint Group was there.
Why Mint Group Clients Are Ahead of the Curve
At Mint Group, we didn’t just watch this happen—we helped shape it.
Here’s what our clients get:
- Direct access to the lead attorney from the Angela Mirabella case
- A proven, attorney-reviewed system for pulling student loan data without violating FSA rules
- A fully supported operational stack: CRM, telephony, email campaigns, and legal marketing workflows
And most importantly: confidence. You’ll operate with clarity, protection, and expert support.
Ready to Re-Enter the Student Loan Space?
This is a rare moment: high borrower demand, low competition, and clear legal guidelines.
Let’s talk about how you can take advantage—safely, confidently, and profitably.
Contact MintGroup today to get started.