TEACH Grant Reconsideration: Reclaim the Forgiveness You Earned

If you became a teacher to serve—and trusted a Federal Program to reward that service—only to have your grant unfairly converted into debt, you're not alone. Thousands of educators are facing this exact nightmare due to bureaucratic glitches in the TEACH Grant program.

But here’s the catch…
You can fight back.

What is TEACH Grant Reconsideration?

The TEACH Grant (Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education) was meant to award up to $4,000 per year for teachers who commit to working in low-income schools. But due to minor paperwork issues—like a late annual certification—many recipients saw their grants suddenly turn into Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

Reconsideration lets you appeal that decision and potentially reverse the loan conversion.

Who’s Eligible for Reconsideration?

You may qualify if:

• You received a TEACH Grant that was later turned into a loan.
• You completed (or are completing) your teaching service in a high-need field at a low-income school.
• You missed an annual certification deadline due to confusion, miscommunication, or personal hardship.

Benefits of Reconsideration

• Get your loan reversed back into a grant
• Erase thousands in unexpected debt
• Stop accruing interest from an unfair conversion
• Regain access to other forgiveness options like PSLF

Timeline & How to Apply

1. Collect Evidence – Teaching certifications, school employment records, and previous TEACH Grant letters.
2. Submit the TEACH Grant Reconsideration Request Form to the Department of Education (via MOHELA, the official servicer).
3. Wait for Review – It can take 30–90 days, depending on complexity.
4. Get a Decision – If approved, your loan is forgiven and your grant status restored.

Real-World Example

Emily, a middle school science teacher in Texas, had her TEACH Grant converted after her district failed to send her annual certification. She reapplied in 2024 and had over $16,000 in converted loans forgiven through reconsideration.

But What If You Were Also Misled By Your School?

Many teachers who received TEACH Grants also attended institutions later involved in fraud or misconduct—like University of Phoenix or DeVry. If that’s you, you might qualify for Borrower Defense to Repayment too.

Check your eligibility now — you could save thousands and undo years of stress.

📞 Need help applying? Speak with a student loan specialist now.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why was my TEACH Grant turned into a loan?

Most conversions happen due to missing or late annual certification paperwork—even if you’re actively teaching in a qualifying school.

Can I still apply for reconsideration years later?

Yes. The Department of Education has no strict time limit for filing a reconsideration request, especially if the conversion was due to a servicer or administrative error.

How long does TEACH Grant Reconsideration take?

Processing typically takes 30–90 days after submission, depending on the volume of requests and complexity of your case.

What documents do I need to submit?

You’ll need proof of employment at a qualifying school, your teaching certification, and any notices or records related to the original TEACH Grant and its conversion.

Who handles TEACH Grant Reconsideration?

MOHELA is the exclusive servicer for TEACH Grants. All reconsideration requests are processed through their platform.

Can I get help with the reconsideration process?

Absolutely. Our specialists can walk you through eligibility, gather your documents, and even handle submission on your behalf. Speak with a loan relief expert →

If my TEACH Grant was converted and I qualify for other programs like PSLF, what should I do?

Start with reconsideration to revert the grant-to-loan conversion. Then you may pursue PSLF or Borrower Defense if applicable. Our advisors can help you build a combined strategy.