In a significant policy shift, the Education Department and the Trump administration have announced a pause on plans to garnish Social Security benefits for student loan borrowers in default. This decision comes as efforts to address the impact of student loan defaults on the financial security of nearly two million Social Security recipients are underway. Previously, there were concerns that thousands of borrowers could see reductions in their Social Security checks, but the latest announcements provide a reprieve for these individuals. As the situation develops, many retirees and beneficiaries can breathe easier knowing that their Social Security payments will not be affected by defaulted student loans for the time being.