What We Do
The Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program (EDCAP) assists student loan borrowers with the following services:
- Determining their best repayment plan
- Accessing loan forgiveness, cancellation and discharge programs
- Applying for consolidation, deferment, and forbearance
- Getting out of default to prevent wage garnishments, social security offsets and tax intercepts
- Mediating issues with loan servicers and lenders
- Obtaining referrals for other services and resources to address additional needs
Request an Appointment
Reach out to request an appointment with a Student Debt Counselor. A member of our team will follow up with you to schedule a session. Please email StudentDebt@empirejustice.org or call us at (518) 935-2849.
Please include: First Name, Last Name, Phone Number, Email Address, County of Residence
Download Our Map for a comprehensive list of Student Debt Counselors throughout New York State.
Watch Our Webinar
Big Changes, Big Decisions: What the New Laws on Student Loans Mean for You, a webinar lead by Student Debt Paralegal, Jordan Daniels, on August 18 2025, discusses major changes to the federal student loan system that are now law under the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill.” Join us as we break down the new policies, including the end of the SAVE Plan, new borrowing caps, changes to repayment and forgiveness options, and what borrowers should do now to protect themselves. We’ll also discuss key deadlines, and how to prepare for the months ahead.
Our Network
EDCAP is a program created by the Community Service Society of New York. to address the disparate impact student loan debt has on the people of New York, Empire Justice Center has joined the EDCAP network to reach and assist borrowers in the Capital District.
Latest News
If you are struggling to pay your loans, please reach out to our team to schedule a counseling session.
View the Federal Student Aid’s FAQ’s, and visit the Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program (EDCAP) network page.
Student Debt Counseling Team
Jordan Daniels
Resources
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In today’s testimony, we respectfully ask you for the following: THE NEED TO FUND THE EDUCATION DEBT CONSUMER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EDCAP) AT $6,250,000 M IN THE FINAL BUDGET About the Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program The Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program (EDCAP) is a direct consumer assistance program for student loan borrowers which provides free, personalized, […]
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This testimony touches on our work in higher education. We will discuss the positions set forth below: About the Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program The Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program (EDCAP) is a direct consumer assistance program for student loan borrowers which provides free, personalized, unbiased support to federal and private loan borrowers across New […]
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Memorandum of Support NYS Department of Financial Services Private Education Debt Registry A.5286 (Epstein)/S.5056(Thomas) We recommend you view the PDF Here Empire Justice Center strongly supports A.5286/S.5056 which requires all private education creditors operating in New York State that are not already licensed or chartered by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) to annually […]
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On August 19, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education announced that over 323,000 borrowers who have a total and permanent disability (TPD) will receive more than $5.8 billion in automatic federal student loan discharges. Advocates will recall that in 2012, the Department of Education amended its regulations governing discharge of federal student loans based on […]
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