Education Department begins beta testing for student loan forgiveness application

Student loan borrowers gather near The White House to tell President Biden to cancel student debt on May 12, 2020.

The student debt forgiveness application was being tested by the U.S. department of education.

You can apply at StudentAid.gov. At 1:45 a.m. There was a button to submit an application on the portal.

The Washington Post reported that the portal would be open on and off during the test.

The testing period will allow the department to monitor site performance through real-world use, test the site ahead of the official application launch, refine processes and uncover any possible bugs prior to official launch.

The site will occasionally be paused for assessments, refinements and maintenance. The department will encourage borrowers to check back when the pause is over so they can submit their application after the official site launches.

Mark Kantrowitz, a higher education expert, said a preview of the application suggested a full roll out could be imminent.

Speaking prior to the launch, he said he had no firsthand knowledge of the Education Department's test, but noted that "beta is a slow launch, making sure they get all the bugs out before they release it to everyone."

The application will be overwhelmed when it goes live to everyone. The site slowed down due to the announcement of forgiveness.

When the link is live, borrowers will be able to apply for forgiveness ahead of time.

There could be small problems if you see the public version. If you successfully apply for forgiveness, you have submitted it.

The Education Department said that borrowers will be able to apply for student debt relief during the test period. When the site launches later this month, no applications will be processed until the site officially launches.

President Joe Biden announced in August that most federal student loan borrowers will be eligible for some debt forgiveness, up to $10,000 if they didn't get a Pell Grant, and up to $20,000 if they did.

The relief only applies to individuals who earned no more than $125,000 or married couples or heads of households who made less than $250,000.

The White House said that borrowers will be able to fill out and submit the application on their computer or phone.

The borrowers won't need their ID to apply. Some borrowers may need to provide documentation at the Education Department's request, but they won't be asked to prove their income on the main application.

As soon as the form is launched, request relief. The Biden administration has a forgiveness plan. He said you probably get to keep your forgiveness if your loans are forgiven before a lawsuit.

Everyone should apply as soon as it's available.

Annie Nova is a reporter.