This is a template letter to your creditors requesting that they forgive your debt and write it off for compassionate reasons. All borrowers, regardless of loan size, can use SBA's direct forgiveness portal.Applying for forgiveness using the portal can take as little as 15 minutes. Use the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Help Tool to determine whether you're eligible for PSLF programs and guide you through the process. Don't bother writing a letter asking for student loan forgiveness. Doing that won't accomplish anything. Write a letter detailing your financial hardship. Explain why you can no longer afford to pay off the principal balance. Student loan debt relief companies might say they will lower your monthly payment or get your loans forgiven, but they can leave you worse off. PSLF forgives your federal student debt after 10 years of payments.