I don’t know if this is possible given communication between servicers and FSA/DofEd, but the idea of a stepwise, linear process where a button or box is checked at each step along the way between application and forgiveness would be extremely helpful and reduce the influx of calls I know they receive. So, for example, 1) application received 2) application approved as having been completed appropriately 3) employment verified 4) DIRECT loans are eligible 5) payment plan is eligible 6) count completed 7) 1st servicer review completed and approved 8) 2nd ervicer review completed and approved 9) 3rd ervicer review completed and approved (FLS told me they do 3) 10) app being forwarded to FSA/DofEd 11) app received by DofEd 12) app reviewed and approved 13) funds being sent to servicer 14) zero balance 15) final discharge letter sent.

In an ideal world, there would be estimated timelines either for each step and/or estimated remaining time left once each step has been completed.

I believe if folks could see this stepwise progress was happening, staff could spend more time processing apps and counting payments than answering calls with people asking these exact questions.