The Department of Education announced it will begin sending wage‑garnishment notices to a first batch of borrowers in default the week of Jan. 7, a policy shift that restarts active collections after a multi‑year pause. The department said it will scale notices and begin collection activity after a 30‑day window, marking the next phase of reimposing remedies for accounts 270 days past due. Advocacy groups called the move “cruel and unnecessary,” arguing it threatens low‑income households amid stagnant wages and an affordability crisis. The decision follows the end of pandemic pause policies and comes after federal attempts at broad forgiveness were blocked in court. The policy will affect millions of defaulted borrowers in the medium term; the department said initial outreach will target about 1,000 accounts and expand monthly. Borrowers and higher‑education financial‑aid offices will need clear guidance on rehabilitation, repayment options, and consumer protections as collections restart.