PSLF Buyback Backlog Leaves Public Servants in Limbo; Navient Among Servicers Scrutinized

Public servants still wait for promised loan forgiveness

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Buyback requests are piling up and leaving borrowers in limbo, industry sources and advocates say. More than 83,000 federal student loan borrowers are in a backlog tied to Buyback applications, court records and advocacy groups show, with the queue growing from about 74,510 in August to roughly 80,210 in November. Borrowers who submit what they consider complete applications, like librarian Katy Punch, report waits exceeding 14 months for a decision from the U.S. Department of Education.

The backlog slows cancellation for people who qualify under PSLF — a program that cancels remaining federal student debt after ten years of qualifying public service — but who need a retroactive “buyback” to count months lost to deferment or forbearance. Consumer advocates tell reporters they see mixed outcomes: a small number of approvals but many prolonged delays. Carolina Rodriguez, director of the Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program in New York, says her team has not seen a successful buyback completed, and borrowers are growing discouraged and adjusting financial plans in anticipation that relief may not arrive on schedule.

The delays reflect wider strains across the student loan servicing industry, where firms such as Navient and other servicers face scrutiny over accuracy, processing speed and borrower communications. Advocates and experts warn the backlog undermines confidence in federal student loan programs, complicates retirement and housing plans, and increases financial stress for public-sector workers. Nonprofit groups are pressing the Department of Education for faster processing, clearer guidance and accountability, while litigation and administrative reviews continue to seek resolution of the logjam.

New refillable pod targets disposable vape users

VOOPOO launches the NAVI × Cyph Kit 80K in North America as a refillable pod system aimed at replacing disposables. The device ships with a 30 mL bottle of Cyph salts, supports 12 flavor options, uses a 0.6 ohm dual mesh coil and offers Turbo and Norm modes for variable vapor output.

The company markets the kit as an eco-friendlier, cost-effective alternative, touting up to 80,000 puffs per pod, a 1,500 mAh battery that it says can last up to five days between charges, and a design intended to let users stock multiple e-liquids at home and reduce disposable waste.