What Happens to Your MOHELA Account When You Die
Quick Facts
Discharge
Federal loans forgiven at death
Action
Submit certified death certificate
Autopay
Stop immediately
Step-by-Step Guide
Federal loans are discharged at death
Federal student loans are fully forgiven when the borrower dies. You are NOT responsible for paying them. Submit a certified death certificate to MOHELA to begin the discharge process.
Estimated time: 15 min
Contact MOHELA bereavement department
Call MOHELA and ask for the bereavement or estate department. They will guide you through the death discharge process and provide the mailing address for the death certificate.
Estimated time: 20 min
Check for private loans separately
Private student loans are NOT automatically discharged at death. Check if any loans are private — the estate may be liable. Review the original loan documents for death/disability provisions.
Estimated time: 15 min
Stop autopay immediately
Cancel all automatic payments to prevent further deductions. Any payments made after death may be refundable once the discharge is processed.
Estimated time: 5 min
Document Now Checklist
- MOHELA account number
- Loan types (federal vs. private)
- Loan balances
- Autopay status
- Payment method on file
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Start your vault — free for 30 daysLast verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with MOHELA. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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