What Good Faith Means
Good faith is about effort and honesty, not results. Courts look at the overall picture: Did you try? Did you engage with the loan process? Did you seek employment?
Actions That Demonstrate Good Faith
Enrolling in IDR (even at $0/month), making regular payments for any period, contacting the servicer, applying for deferments, seeking employment, and living within your means.
Actions That Undermine Good Faith
Never making a payment with no effort to arrange one, defaulting immediately after the degree, earning high income but choosing not to pay, taking luxury vacations while claiming hardship.
Frequently Asked Questions
I never made any payments -- have I shown good faith?
Not automatically, but it is not fatal. If you can explain why (unemployment, disability, income below poverty) and you enrolled in IDR, courts may still find good faith.
Does IDR enrollment count?
Yes. The 2022 DOJ guidance specifically recognizes IDR participation as evidence of good faith. Even $0 payments demonstrate engagement.
How long do I need to have tried repaying?
No specific minimum period. Courts look at the totality. Even a few years of payments before circumstances changed demonstrates good faith.
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