The U.S. Department of Education announced it will begin sending notices to defaulted student‑loan borrowers the week of Jan. 7, a step that precedes wage garnishment actions for borrowers who are 270 days past due. The department says collections will ramp up monthly after initial notices and that garnishments will proceed only after required notice and opportunities to repay. - The administration’s plan targets millions of borrowers long in default, reversing pandemic-era collection forbearance and expanding enforcement tools beyond withholding tax refunds. The Education Department emphasized procedural safeguards but critics said the timeline leaves little room for borrowers to secure affordable repayment options. - Student‑borrower advocates and legal groups have already mobilized, warning of immediate household hardship and urging administrative pauses or expanded repayment counseling to avoid forced wage deductions. Higher education leaders are bracing for potential enrollment and completion impacts if former students face income shocks.