A record number of federal student loan borrowers have fallen into default as pandemic-era protections fade and the Trump administration has moved away from Biden-era student loan forgiveness options. Once that happens, collection activity can eventually include wage garnishment and Treasury offsets that seize tax refunds or certain federal payments. According to Federal Student Aid, borrowers who are in default generally have three primary paths to move forward:Loan RehabilitationOne option is loan rehabilitation. Rehabilitation is generally available only once for a defaulted federal student loan. What Happens NextThe student loan landscape remains in flux as borrowers adjust to new repayment rules and the end of the SAVE plan.