SLB Introduces Streamlined Online Process to Access Debt Reset Programme

The Student’s Loan Bureau (SLB) has introduced a simplified online onboarding process for applicants to its Debt Reset Programme, making access easier and more efficient.

Addressing a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’, SLB’s Debt Recovery Manager, Owin Watson, noted that customers can initiate the process directly through the Bureau’s official website.

“To onboard, customers should visit our website, www.slbja.com. Once they navigate to the page, they’ll see the onboarding icon [and] they’ll click on that,” he explained.

Mr. Watson noted that applicants will be required to provide basic personal details, after which the system verifies their identity.

“They’ll be required to enter some key demographic information. Once that is done, the system will seek to authenticate that they are who they say they are. They’ll then be able to access the website and start the application for the Debt Reset,” he further outlined.

Mr. Watson explained that the Debt Reset application is a guided four-step process, supported by an instructional page that details each stage.

Applicants who access the Debt Reset page are first presented with a requirements screen before proceeding to the payment stage.

“At this point, you will be required to choose a plan – either to make payments towards clearing arrears or to close the loan,” Mr. Watson stated.

He added that customers have flexibility in scheduling payments, with the system allowing them to select their preferred month of payment.

“You have up to five months to pay. You have a slider on the page and you can slide it, for instance, to January, February, March, whichever month that you intend to settle the outstanding amount or pay the outstanding arrears,” he informed.

Once a plan is selected, applicants proceed to a review screen to confirm their agreement.

Mr. Watson noted that applicants will immediately receive a promissory note by email upon completion, which is also available for download.

Highlighting how the Debt Reset Programme works in practice, Mr. Watson underscored that the key point is that any balance remaining after waivers and discounts are applied must still be paid, noting that approval alone does not confer the benefit.

The SLB’s Debt Reset Programme is a special initiative that enables customers to reduce their loan balance and eliminate accumulated interest, insurance and fees, providing a fresh financial start.