Beyond possibly leading to wage garnishment, defaulting on a student loan hurts in other ways. It damages your credit, which raises borrowing costs or limits access to credit like mortgages ...

Employers are increasingly looking for ways to support employees facing wage garnishments and other issues due to unpaid debt ...

Student loan borrowers have clear rights and options — from requesting a hearing to setting up a payment plan, rehabilitation, or consolidation — to stop student loan wage garnishment.

If you're in default on your loans, the pause gives you time to take action before your Social Security benefits are at risk.