New Bill Would Let Teachers Double-Dip PSLF And Teacher Loan Forgiveness

A pair of Democratic bills introduced in May would eliminate one of the oldest restrictions in federal student loan policy: the rule that blocks teachers from counting the same years of teaching service toward both Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF) and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

The Teacher Debt Relief Act (H.R.8815), introduced May 14, 2026 by Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT) and endorsed by the National Education Association, would end the prohibition that forces teachers to choose one program or the other for a given service period. Hayes calls it a technical correction, but for teachers, it could shave years off the path to full forgiveness.

Here's what to know about the drive to end the double-dipping provision of PSLF and TLF.