Millions of borrowers are worried as the Trump administration resumes collections on student loan defaults starting May 5, after a five-year pause. The Department of Education will deduct payments from borrowers’ tax returns, Social Security benefits, and wages, affecting 5.3 million borrowers who defaulted before the pandemic.

Currently, 2.9 million borrowers are at risk of default, and while most are not in immediate danger, experts warn they could be soon. The Education Department plans to issue wage garnishment notices later this summer and advises those in default to enroll in income-driven repayment plans or start making payments.

The resumption of collections follows a pandemic-related pause that led many borrowers to believe their loans were forgiven. However, there is no statute of limitations for federal student loans, and the Department is obligated to collect these debts.

Borrowers can check their status on the Department of Education’s website and should respond to communications from loan servicers. Options to escape default include full repayment, loan rehabilitation, or consolidation, and borrowers are encouraged to seek help from nonprofits and online resources for flexible repayment plans.