The American Federation of Teachers accused the Department of Education of failing to process a backlog of income-driven repayment (IDR) and loan-forgiveness applications, citing more than 800,000 outstanding files as of Dec. 15. The union, which previously sued and settled with the department, says the Education Department missed commitments to clear applications despite reopening the portal. AFT President Randi Weingarten argued the backlog harms borrowers and pointed to staffing cuts and administrative mismanagement as drivers. The department’s slow processing affects borrowers reaching loan forgiveness milestones and delays Public Service Loan Forgiveness certifications, raising urgent operational and equity questions for institutions that support alumni and current students.