<p>Would it be possible for an adult applicant to a graduate program to receive a loan if she a) receives social security because of a mental disability and b) has been unemployed for the past five years? Wouldn’t this applicant at least be required to have a co-signer?</p>
<p>If the loans is a federally determined (FAFSA-based) loan, there is no co-signer involved. Through the Grad Plus program, a student can borrow up to the full cost of attendance.</p>
<p>The potential student needs to verify that this degree will result in employment. Student loans cannot be discharged except by death or other extreme situations (such as permanently disabling conditions). It is possible that failure to pay back the loan would result in part of her social security benefits being garnisheed.</p>