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Education, Insurance & Misc

Fill out Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Discharge Application online

The Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Discharge Application allows federal student loan borrowers and TEACH Grant recipients to apply for discharge of their loans or service obligation due to a total and permanent disability. If approved, the remaining balance is forgiven and the borrower is no longer required to make payments.

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Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Discharge Application - simplepdf.com
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How to fill out Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Discharge Application

1

Enter borrower information

Provide your name, Social Security number, date of birth, address, phone number, and email address.

2

Select your basis for discharge

Indicate the basis for your TPD discharge: (1) VA disability determination of 100% disabled or Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), (2) Social Security Administration (SSA) determination of disability, or (3) physician certification.

3

Provide supporting documentation

Attach the required documentation based on your basis: VA disability notification letter, SSA disability determination, or a completed physician certification form (included in the application) signed by your doctor.

4

Sign and submit

Sign and date the application, certifying that the information is true and that you understand the terms of the discharge, including the 3-year monitoring period. Submit to Nelnet.

About Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Discharge Application

Who needs this form

Federal student loan borrowers or TEACH Grant recipients who are totally and permanently disabled and unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to a physical or mental condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least 60 months, or can be expected to result in death.

Where to submit

Submit to Nelnet, the servicer that handles TPD discharge processing on behalf of the Department of Education. You can apply online at disabilitydischarge.com or mail the completed form with supporting documentation.

Source and content freshness

Official source (studentaid.gov)
  • Reviewed: 2026-02-16
  • Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Not providing sufficient medical documentation to support the disability claim
  • Not understanding the 3-year monitoring period after conditional discharge
  • Forgetting that income above the poverty line during the monitoring period can result in reinstatement of the loans
  • Not applying for VA or SSA disability determination first (which can simplify the TPD process)

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What is the 3-year monitoring period?
After receiving a conditional TPD discharge, borrowers enter a 3-year monitoring period. During this time, your loans are discharged but can be reinstated if your annual earnings exceed the poverty guideline for your state and family size, or if you receive a new federal student loan or TEACH Grant. Veterans with a VA determination and SSA recipients with a medical improvement not expected designation may be exempt from monitoring.

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