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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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If I have a Perkins loan and I am interested in Public Service Loan Forgiveness, what do I need to know?

Answer:

Before you enroll in Public Service Loan Forgiveness, you should know that if you have a Perkins loan, you may be eligible for a different benefit if you work in certain public service professions. 

This benefit is known as Perkins loan cancellation. For each complete year of service, a percentage of the loan may be canceled. The total percentage of the loan that can be canceled depends on the type of public service performed.

If you choose to consolidate a Perkins loan into a federal Direct Consolidation Loan to become eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, you will no longer be eligible for Perkins loan cancellation. You should understand your options before you choose to consolidate. More information about Perkins loan cancellation is available on the Federal Student Aid website .

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