Bill Overview
Title: Student Loan Deferment for Sexual Violence Survivors Act
Description: This bill allows a borrower who is a victim of sexual violence (including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking) to defer payment of federal student loans for up to three years. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Department of Education to waive certain requirements for repayment of grant assistance or federal student loans for a borrower whose attendance was interrupted due to such violence.
Sponsors: Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4]
Target Audience
Population: Victims of sexual violence who have federal student loans
Estimated Size: 2300000
- The bill specifically targets individuals who are victims of sexual violence, which includes sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.
- Sexual violence is a global issue and affects a significant portion of the population, especially women and marginalized groups.
- According to the World Health Organization, about 35% of women worldwide have experienced sexual or physical violence.
- Approximately 12% of women globally have a degree, suggesting a significant number are potentially current or past students.
- As a financial response bill, it targets current students, those who have recently graduated, and even some who might have had their education interrupted.
- Estimating the global population that might benefit would include looking at the prevalence of sexual violence among those who have pursued higher education.
Reasoning
- The target population for this policy includes individuals who are victims of sexual violence and currently have or have had federal student loans. The policy's budget will need to address the financial impact on victims who might defer their loans, potentially affecting a significant portion due to the prevalence of violence and student loan ownership in the U.S.
- The budget constraints require efficient targeting of resources to those most affected, ensuring those who are processing trauma from sexual violence can benefit without an overwhelming financial burden.
- The interviews will be designed to reflect a broad spectrum of the affected population, accounting for different ages, backgrounds, and current life circumstances to understand the range of potential impacts on wellbeing.
- Victims of sexual violence span all genders and can be at different stages of their education or career, affecting how the policy impacts their lives.
- We aim to capture both immediate and long-term effects on wellbeing, given the varying nature of recovery from trauma and financial stress.
Simulated Interviews
Graduate Student (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is a relief as it provides the much-needed breathing room to focus on recovery without the added financial stress of loan repayments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Software Engineer (Austin, TX)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While the policy wouldn't apply to me now, knowing such support exists is important for future generations undergoing similar situations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Freelance Graphic Designer (Denver, CO)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could have allowed me to complete my education without financial pressure, leading to better career outcomes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 3 |
High School Teacher (Chicago, IL)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the policy would have reduced my financial strain significantly during my healing process, though it’s too late for my situation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Undergraduate Student (New York, NY)
Age: 21 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If I can defer my loans, I can focus on ensuring my safety and mental health without worrying about financial stress.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Restaurant Manager (Miami, FL)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support this policy and wish it included provisions for those currently paying loans without deferment history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Recent Graduate (Seattle, WA)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This relief allows more secure steps into my career, helping cope with my existing challenges.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
PhD Student (Boston, MA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The deferment gives me potential to deeply focus on healing without the pressure of finances so close to graduation and its demands.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Accountant (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act gives great peace of mind for some borrowers needing time to navigate safety and recovery. I wish it included housing support too.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Barista (Portland, OR)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The ability to defer loans would lighten my load considerably, enabling me to continue education and focus on my well being.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $345000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $400000000)
Year 2: $345000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $400000000)
Year 3: $345000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $400000000)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The direct financial impact falls on future government revenue due to deferred loan repayments leading to interest revenue losses.
- Administrative infrastructure needs to be adequate to validate and process deferment claims based on claimed valid conditions.
- There is a potential social benefit component as the bill could create psychological relief for impacted individuals, potentially aiding community recovery among targeted groups.