Wednesday, July 1, 2009

STUDENT LOAN UPDATE

Greetings! I just got back from my trip and have a lot going on this week and next but I will do my best to keep up with posting. For today, I just wanted to tell all of you recent U.S. graduates out there that the Income Based Repayment (IBR) applications are now available from many major lenders, including the U.S. Department of Education. Contact your lender directly to apply for IBR. If you have Direct Loans from the U.S. government, go here: https://www.dl.ed.gov/borrower/OtherFormList.do?cmd=doViewRequirements wizardName=Repayment%20Plan%20Selection. If you aren't sure who is servicing your loans, go here to find out more info: http://www.nslds.ed.gov/nslds_SA/.

If, after you've contacted your lender and checked out the FAQs on the IBR site, you have serious problems applying for IBR, the Federal Student Aid Ombudsman's Office at the U.S.Department of Education may be able to help. You can call them to report a problem at 877-557-2575, email them at [email protected], or fill out an online help form at: www.ombudsman.ed.gov. There is also still time to take action for loan forgiveness! In addition to lowering monthly student loan payments, the IBR program forgives any remaining debt—including interest— after 25 years. Most borrowers will pay off their debt before then, but under current law, if there's anything left to forgive after 25 years, the amount forgiven would be taxed as income to the borrower. A bipartisan bill in the U.S. House of Representatives, H.R.2492, would prevent the taxation of debt forgiven through IBR. Loan forgiveness is supposed to wipe the slate clean for responsible borrowers, not create a new financial obligation. If you haven't already, please take a moment to write to your representative and urge them to support H.R. 2492 and ensure there's really a light at the end of the tunnel.

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Welcome to Mira's List

This blog provides information on upcoming grants, fellowships and residencies for artists, writers, composers, and media artists. It is for serious professionals only, from emerging to mid-career to established. I also publish information for graduate students from time to time. However, I do not publish information on exhibition or publishing opportunities, nor do I advertise artist retreats and workshops that charge money. At least that is my current policy. For more info on where to exhibit or publish, please see my links section which I try to periodically update. I sift through hundreds of search engines and websites to find opportunities for YOU dear artist. In return, I ask you to pass the information along to those who need it. Also, since this is a free blog, I don't always have the time to weed carefully through everything. If you find a grant or website or residency that is not up-to-date, is dodgy in some way, or is no longer in existence, please let me know! Also, if you stay somewhere at one of the residencies I suggest and have a good experience, I want that feedback too. Please check my FAQs at the top right side bar if you have questions before starting your search. Best wishes and happy hunting!