State Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, is encouraging those with student loan debt to apply for the one-time federal student loan debt relief program and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Both programs have applications open for borrowers to apply for debt relief. “College can open so many doors for students, but financing college is a challenge that often comes with significant debt. Student loan debt prevents people from fully participating in the economy and building wealth to support their families,” Hernandez said. “This is particularly true for borrowers of color and those from marginalized communities. Student debt relief will help level the playing field so that more people have a chance to succeed economically.” Under the one-time federal student loan debt relief program, the U.S. Department of Education will provide up to $20,000 in debt relief to Federal Pell Grant recipients and up to $10,000 in debt relief to non-Pell Grant recipients. Borrowers whose income is less than $125,000, or less than $250,000 for households, are eligible to apply. For more information, please visit https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief-announcement/one-time-cancellation.