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We're the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a U.S. government agency that makes sure banks, lenders, and other financial companies treat you fairly.

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Can a student lender consider whether I receive income from a public assistance program when deciding whether to give me a student loan?

Answer:

A creditor cannot discriminate against you because you (or your co-signers) receive or have received public assistance income. 

Like any other income, a creditor may consider whether you or your co-signer’s’ public assistance income is likely to continue.  If that income is not likely to continue, that fact can be considered in determining creditworthiness.

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