What Happens to Your Nelnet Account When You Die
Quick Facts
Discharge
Federal loans forgiven at death
Action
Submit certified death certificate
Autopay
Stop immediately
Step-by-Step Guide
Federal loans are discharged at death
Federal student loans are fully forgiven when the borrower dies. Submit a certified death certificate to Nelnet to initiate the death discharge.
Estimated time: 15 min
Contact Nelnet bereavement department
Call Nelnet and request the bereavement or estate services department. They will walk you through the discharge process and documentation requirements.
Estimated time: 20 min
Check for private loans separately
Private student loans do not discharge at death. Determine if any loans serviced by Nelnet are private — the estate may owe those balances.
Estimated time: 15 min
Stop autopay immediately
Cancel automatic payments to stop further deductions. Post-death payments can typically be refunded after discharge is processed.
Estimated time: 5 min
Document Now Checklist
- Nelnet account number
- Loan types (federal vs. private)
- Loan balances
- Autopay status
- Payment method on file
Last verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with Nelnet. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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