Hello Andy and welcome to the board! ;)

Unfortunately student loan debt is considered non-forgivable debt (even in bankruptcy) with the exception of permanent disability or death. If you are nearing bankruptcy my best advice is to call all your student loan lenders and see if they would be willing to work w/ you on a payment plan.

Another alternative would be to see if a consumer credit counseling agency can help you to consolidate your debt or help you negotiate a lower payment plan

Good Luck!

You can also apply for a defferment. Go to your loan holders website and there should be forms you can fill out and send in.

I have deffernments on my three loans because even though I work, I still quailify for food stamps. I'd start there, if you can prove to them you cant pay them.
Consider consolidating but make sure the payment would be somehting you can afford.
What is you degree in. Some programs like teaching, practicing medicain in a rural area, VISTA, can be used to help pay off your loans.
Also, if deferment isnt a possiblity, try working with the lender. Some of mine have lowered the payments for a short period of time.
Are you sure that bankruptcy is the answer? Its pretty drastioc and you will still have all the students loans.

I got bad news for you....you gotta pay or default those loans....if you default make sure you never are going to get tax refund because the grab that faster than lickety split...I owe over $70K and did BK in 04....and am in deferred status...my earnings are horridly low year after year

IF you cant get a dxeferment, make some kindx of agreement. Try your best not to follow Bill's adxvice in go into deafualt. They then become a jugement and even if yoiu file bankruptcy no one will touch you. ASK for deferment first,.

Americorps VISTA is a federal program that will help you pay off your student loans. It involves taking a job that pays starvation wages, often in remote locations or otherwise unpleasant conditions.

I am absolutely avoiding even asking for deferement. I intend to continue paying. My question was relative to programs like VISTA, Peace Corps, USAID, etc.. that help you, just like the armed forces, to pay your loans off. Unfortunately, I am pretty old for joining the armed forces.
Thanks you all for your responses.
Andy