Do parent PLUS loans get passed down?

Asked by: Althea Swift  |  Last update: October 11, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (43 votes)

If a borrower dies, their federal student loans are discharged after the required proof of death is submitted. The borrower's family is not responsible for repaying the loans. A parent PLUS loan is discharged if the parent dies or if the student on whose behalf a parent obtained the loan dies.

What happens to a parent PLUS loan if the parent dies?

When the borrower of a Parent PLUS loan dies, the loan is discharged. (It does not matter whether there was an endorser or not, the loan is discharged and any endorsers have no further liability.)

Can my child take over my parent PLUS loan?

Unfortunately, Parent PLUS loans cannot be transferred to the child's name.

What happens to parent PLUS loans when the parent retires?

The Education Department doesn't forgive loan balances for parents when they retire. It will keep sending bills and adding interest until you pay off the debt, die or become totally and permanently disabled, or qualify for one of the department's student loan forgiveness programs.

Do kids inherit their parents' student loans?

The loans remain in the Parent's name. They aren't passed down to the child.

Pay My Mom's $100,000 Parent PLUS Loan For Her?

24 related questions found

Do children automatically inherit parents debt?

Most debt isn't inherited by someone else — instead, it passes to the estate. During probate, the executor of the estate typically pays off debts using the estate's assets first, and then they distribute leftover funds according to the deceased's will. However, some states may require that survivors be paid first.

Can parent plus loans be forgiven?

The Bottom Line. Yes, borrowers with Parent PLUS Loans can have their debts forgiven after 10 years (or 120 eligible monthly payments) with the PSLF program.

Do parent PLUS loans go away after 20 years?

and remaining loan balances are forgiven after 20 or 25 years of payments. If you're eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, you can get your remaining debt forgiven after just 10 years in an income-driven plan. ◾ The new SAVE plan also has an interest benefit.

What is the loophole for parent plus borrowers?

How to Use the Double Consolidation Loophole: The key to using the double consolidation loophole is to consolidate each of your Parent PLUS Loans twice. In this scenario, a borrower can have as few as two Parent PLUS Loans.

How can I get rid of my parent PLUS loan?

Here are four methods you can try for working toward parent PLUS loan forgiveness, depending on your personal situation.
  1. Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR)
  2. Public service loan forgiveness (PSLF)
  3. Career-based loan repayment assistance programs.
  4. Refinance parent PLUS loans in your child's name.

Can two parents take out parent PLUS loans?

Can more than one parent borrow a PLUS Loan? If a student's parents are divorced, both the custodial and non-custodial parent may borrow a PLUS Loan for their dependent, undergraduate student.

How do I get parent PLUS loans out of my name?

In order to transfer a Parent PLUS loan to a child or student, the student can apply for student loan refinancing through a private lender. With a student loan refinance, the child takes out a refinanced student loan and uses it to pay off the Parent PLUS loan.

What disqualifies parent PLUS loans?

If you're a parent or graduate student seeking a Direct PLUS Loan, one of the requirements to qualify is that you must not have an adverse credit history. If your application is denied because of an adverse credit history, don't give up. You still have options.

Can you transfer a parent PLUS loan to another person?

It's possible to refinance parent PLUS loans in your child's name. To refinance parent PLUS loans, your child will need to apply and be approved for the loan through a private student loan lender. They will likely have to supply information about their financials, credit score, school and degree.

What debts are not forgiven upon death?

Medical debt and hospital bills don't simply go away after death. In most states, they take priority in the probate process, meaning they usually are paid first, by selling off assets if need be.

Can grandparents take parent PLUS loans?

Note: Grandparents (unless they have legally adopted the dependent student) and legal guardians are not eligible to receive parent PLUS loans, even if they have had primary responsibility for raising the student.

What is the $100,000 loophole for family loans?

The $100,000 Loophole.

With a larger below-market loan, the $100,000 loophole can save you from unwanted tax results. To qualify for this loophole, all outstanding loans between you and the borrower must aggregate to $100,000 or less.

What if I can't afford to pay my parent PLUS loan?

You can get out of Parent PLUS Loans through forgiveness programs like PSLF or, in rare cases, by discharging the loan in bankruptcy. Otherwise, refinancing or consolidating may help lower your payments, but won't remove your obligation to repay.

What is the maximum amount of a parent PLUS loan?

There are no fixed annual or aggregate loan limits for Direct PLUS Loans. The maximum Direct PLUS Loan amount that a graduate/professional student or parent can borrow is the cost of attendance minus other financial aid received. See the annual and aggregate limits for subsidized and unsubsidized loans.

What are the negatives about the parent PLUS loan?

What Are Some Reasons to Avoid PLUS Loans? First, PLUS loans have no automatic grace period. Then there's the fact they aren't eligible for most IDR plans. Then, borrowing too much is easy to do, and finally, they're nearly impossible to get out of, even in bankruptcy.

Are parent PLUS loans forgiven at age 65?

No, the federal government doesn't forgive student loans at age 50, 65, or when borrowers retire and start drawing Social Security benefits. So, for example, you'll still owe Parent PLUS Loans, FFEL Loans, and Direct Loans after you retire.

Can parent PLUS loans be written off?

Your parent PLUS loan may be discharged if you (not the child) become totally and permanently disabled, die, or (in some cases) file for bankruptcy. Your parent PLUS loan also may be discharged if the student for whom you borrowed dies.

Do you inherit parent PLUS loans?

What happens to my parent's PLUS loan if my parent dies or if I die? Your parent's PLUS loan will be discharged if your parent dies or if you (the student on whose behalf your parent obtained the loan) die.

How can I get out of my parent PLUS loan?

How Can Parent PLUS Loans Be Discharged?
  1. School closure leading to the inability of your child to complete their program.
  2. Your child's school's failure to refund loan money following your child withdrawing from school, withstanding the law.
  3. Your death or the death of the child you borrowed for.

What happens to the leftover money from a parent PLUS loan?

Direct PLUS Loans for Parents

If there is money left over, the school will pay it to you. In some cases, with your permission, the school may give the leftover money to your child.