As the deadline for federal student loan collections approaches, millions of borrowers are preparing for the resumption of payments that were suspended for years. Starting May 5, the government will begin collecting on defaulted loans, which has caused anxiety and fear among borrowers already struggling financially. Many are worried about the impact on their credit scores and the potential for wage garnishment. Experts emphasize the importance of having a repayment plan in place as borrowers navigate this chaotic transition. With nearly 1 million borrowers in Massachusetts alone affected, many are bracing for a new era of student loan payments and the challenges that come with them.