[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.amourgis.com\/blog\/student-loans-chapter-13-bankruptcy\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.amourgis.com\/blog\/student-loans-chapter-13-bankruptcy\/","headline":"Can You Get a Student Loan While in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?","name":"Can You Get a Student Loan While in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?","description":"Yes, you can apply for a student loan while in Chapter 13 bankruptcy. However, obtaining approval may not be easy, depending on the type of loan. An attorney can help you determine your eligibility and apply for the financial support...","datePublished":"2019-11-05","dateModified":"2025-08-11","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.amourgis.com\/blog\/author\/julius\/#Person","name":"Julius Amourgis","url":"https:\/\/www.amourgis.com\/blog\/author\/julius\/","identifier":50,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e49a6abb900684fc2323b7043eaceeb537475408ebc3a2cefbbe0ce24506d3b3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e49a6abb900684fc2323b7043eaceeb537475408ebc3a2cefbbe0ce24506d3b3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Amourgis & Associates Attorneys at Law","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/amourgisassoc.wpenginepowered.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Logo-header-1.png","url":"https:\/\/amourgisassoc.wpenginepowered.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Logo-header-1.png","width":425,"height":87}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.amourgis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/student-loans-chapter-13-bankruptcy.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.amourgis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/student-loans-chapter-13-bankruptcy.jpg","height":331,"width":500},"url":"https:\/\/www.amourgis.com\/blog\/student-loans-chapter-13-bankruptcy\/","about":["Bankruptcy Advice"],"wordCount":597,"articleBody":"Yes, you can apply for a student loan while in Chapter 13 bankruptcy. However, obtaining approval may not be easy, depending on the type of loan. An attorney can help you determine your eligibility and apply for the financial support you need to further your education.Understanding Chapter 13 and Loan EligibilityChapter 13 bankruptcy involves setting up a repayment plan to pay off your debt over time. You must stick to this plan, usually for three to five years. During this time, you can\u2019t take on new debts unless your trustee approves. This includes student loans. The trustee must believe that taking out a loan won\u2019t prevent you from making your current payments. Your reason for going to school will also make a difference when the bankruptcy trustee decides to approve the new debt. If it looks like your degree will help you get a better job, the trustee is more likely to support your request to get the loan.Types of Loans You Can Apply for During Chapter 13Federal student loans are usually your best bet during Chapter 13. Bankruptcy law says the government can\u2019t deny a federal loan just because you filed. However, if you\u2019ve missed payments on past federal loans, you could get turned down. You also can\u2019t get a new federal student loan if you have any other federal loans that are still in default.Private student loans are a different story. Non-government lenders often reject applicants with bankruptcies on their records. Even if you have a good plan and have kept up with your payments, many lenders will still say no. You could get better results if you apply with a cosigner or wait until you have completed your bankruptcy case.Steps to Get a Student Loan While in Chapter 13If you want to get a student loan while going through a Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceeding, you need to plan ahead. Here\u2019s what you can do to improve your chances of getting your loan approved:Consult with a bankruptcy lawyer before taking any action.Ask your lawyer to help you request approval from the bankruptcy trustee.Write a short statement explaining how your degree will help you earn more money.Make sure you are up to date on your Chapter 13 payments before applying for any loan.Check your current student loan status and clear up any defaulted loans.Apply for federal student aid by filling out the FAFSA.Contact your school\u2019s financial aid office to discuss your situation.If you apply for a private loan, look for a cosigner with strong credit.Consider starting with a low-cost school to demonstrate your ability to handle the student loan payments.Alternatives to Taking a Loan While in BankruptcyIf you can\u2019t get a student loan during bankruptcy, you could consider other ways to pay for school. Start by applying for scholarships and grants. Funds from these sources don\u2019t need to be repaid and aren\u2019t tied to your credit. Some schools also offer payment plans that split tuition costs into monthly amounts. If you\u2019re working, consider asking your employer about tuition assistance. Waiting until your Chapter 13 case is resolved can also make it easier to get a loan in the future.Contact Our Ohio Bankruptcy Attorneys to Learn MoreIf you have questions about getting a student loan during Chapter 13, or if you’re struggling with student loan debt and need help, reach out to the bankruptcy attorneys at Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law. We offer a free initial consultation and can help you understand your options.\ufeff"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.amourgis.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Can You Get a Student Loan While in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?","item":"https:\/\/www.amourgis.com\/blog\/student-loans-chapter-13-bankruptcy\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]