Applying to cancel student loans and claims from the Housing Bank
You can apply to have your claim waived, which means it will be fully or partially cancelled. The rules to have a claim cancelled are strict, and there are many conditions to have an application approved.
You can also send the application by post:
You must state clearly what the application concerns. If you have a cohabiting partner that you do not have children with, you must include this information.
In addition, you must include:
- A rental agreement or a payment plan for a mortgage.
- Bills for childcare, municipal taxes, and home insurance.
- An overview of any other debt.
- A confirmation that you're receiving or making maintenance payments.
- A decision that you are granted a housing allowance or financial assistance.
- A decision from NAV, for example, a disability decision or participation in an employment scheme in connection with a work assessment allowance (AAP).
- A confirmation from qualified health professionals of lasting health issues, and that this will result in a reduced ability to pay (not required if you included a disability decision).
- A valuation or estimated value of real property/residential property.
- A confirmed value of other assets, such as a cabin, car or a boat. This could be in the form of a valuation, estimation, purchase receipt, or similar.
You do not have to provide proof of:
- income and tax assessment for yourself or your spouse/cohabiting partner
- cost of living expenses
The rules for having a claim cancelled are very strict
If you've received a claim from public authorities, the main rule is that you must pay it voluntarily or by enforced collection. Exceptions will usually only apply if your personal circumstances are very bad and you are permanently unable to pay.
Any waiving of your claims cannot be deemed as offensive to others or the general public. By offensive in this context, we mean that other people may have a negative reaction to a reduction of your claim.
If you have other debt as well, you must generally apply to set up a joint agreement with all your creditors (debt settlement scheme). You can contact NAV for financial advice and debt counselling.
The collection continues until the case is settled
Be aware that an application for the cancellation of a claim will usually not stop the collection process. The collection process will not be stopped unless your application is approved.
If your loan has been temporarily transferred from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen) to us, and you have become disabled, you may be entitled to have all or a part of the loan cancelled. The right to have your debt cancelled depends on your income. Lånekassen will process the application for cancellation. You can send your application directly to them.
Avoid having your student loan permanently transferred
If you make no payments nor apply for payment relief for three years, your loan will be permanently transferred to us. You will then lose the rights and agreements you have with Lånekassen.