Overview
SoFi (Social Finance, Inc.) is a leading fintech company known for student loan refinancing and private student loans. Unlike many private lenders, SoFi has a generous death discharge policy for its student loan products. When a primary borrower passes away, SoFi typically discharges the remaining loan balance, meaning the estate and surviving family members are not held responsible for the debt.
This guide covers the specific steps to notify SoFi, the documents required to process a loan discharge, and what to expect regarding cosigners and timelines.
This guide provides informational guidance only. It is not legal advice, and SwiftProbate is not a law firm. Laws and institutional procedures change — verify current requirements directly with SoFi and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify SoFi of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting SoFi, have the following ready:
- Decedent's full legal name and date of birth
- Social Security number
- Loan account number (if available)
- Your name and relationship to the decedent
- A certified copy of the death certificate (you will need to mail this later)
Step 2: Call Customer Support
SoFi does not have a direct "Estate Services" hotline published; you must initiate the process through their general support line.
- Phone: (855) 456-7634
- Hours: Mon–Thu, 5 AM – 7 PM PT; Fri–Sun, 5 AM – 5 PM PT
What to say: "I am calling to report the death of a borrower and need to speak with the estate or successor-in-interest department regarding a student loan discharge."
When you reach an agent, they will:
- Verify the decedent's identity.
- Place a deceased flag on the account to pause billing and collection calls.
- Provide you with a specific case number or reference ID.
- Confirm the mailing address for submitting the death certificate.
Step 3: Submit the Death Certificate
To finalize the discharge, you must mail a certified copy of the death certificate to SoFi. Photocopies are generally not accepted for discharge purposes.
Mail to:
SoFi Lending Corp.
PO Box 654158
Dallas, TX 75265-4158
Note: If the loan is serviced by MOHELA (a SoFi partner), the agent may direct you to mail documents to MOHELA, PO Box 1022, Chesterfield, MO 63006-1022. Always confirm the correct address during your call.
Step 4: Confirmation of Discharge
Once SoFi receives and verifies the death certificate, they will process the discharge. You should receive a confirmation letter stating that the loan balance has been waived and the account is closed. This typically takes 2–4 weeks from receipt of documents.
Required Documents
Documents SoFi Requires
For student loan discharge, the requirements are straightforward compared to bank accounts.
Always Required
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified Death Certificate | Must be an original certified copy with a raised seal. |
| Cover Letter | Include the deceased borrower's name, account number, and your contact information. |
For Cosigners (If Applicable)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Cosigner Release Request | If you are the surviving cosigner, the loan is typically discharged upon the student's death. No separate form is usually needed beyond the death certificate, but verify this on the call. |
For Estate Administrators (If Refund Due)
If payments were made after the date of death, the estate may be entitled to a refund.
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary / Administration | Proof of your authority to act for the estate to receive refund checks. |
Account Types
How SoFi Handles Student Loans Upon Death
Private Student Loans & Refinancing
SoFi stands out among private lenders for its death discharge policy. If the primary borrower dies, the loan is discharged (forgiven). The estate is not required to pay off the balance.
Timeline: 2–4 weeks after receiving the death certificate.
Cosigned Student Loans
If the student borrower dies, the loan is discharged, and the surviving cosigner is released from any further obligation.
If the cosigner dies but the student borrower is still alive, the borrower is typically responsible for the loan, but SoFi generally does not place the loan in "automatic default" (a practice known as "auto-default" which was common in the past but is now rare). The borrower simply continues making payments.
Federal Student Loans
If the decedent had federal loans (not refinanced with SoFi), those are discharged by the federal government (Department of Education). If they were refinanced with SoFi, they became private loans, but SoFi's private discharge policy still applies.
Personal Loans and Credit Cards
SoFi's policy for other products may differ. Generally, unsecured debts like personal loans and credit cards are claims against the estate. However, for student loans specifically, the discharge policy is distinct and more protective.
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the SoFi Process
While SoFi's discharge policy is national, state probate laws still apply if there are refunds due to the estate or if you are dealing with other SoFi assets (like bank accounts).
- Community Property States: In states like CA, TX, and AZ, debts incurred during marriage might be considered community debts. However, SoFi's specific contractual discharge policy usually overrides this for student loans, forgiving the debt entirely.
- Tax Implications: The tax-free treatment for death discharge of student loans under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 expired at the end of 2025. Verify current 2026 tax treatment with a tax professional, as the discharge may now be considered taxable income for federal and state tax purposes.
Key State Variations
| State | Small Estate Threshold | Community Property? | Notable Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $208,850 | Yes | SoFi is headquartered here; strict consumer protection laws apply. |
| Texas | $75,000 | Yes | Community property rules apply to debts. |
| New York | $50,000 | No | Simplified probate for small estates. |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long SoFi Takes to Process a Discharge
| Process Step | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Notification | Immediate | Call (855) 456-7634 to flag the account. |
| Document Processing | 1–2 weeks | Time for mail to arrive and be scanned. |
| Discharge Approval | 2–4 weeks | After death certificate is received. |
| Credit Bureau Update | 30–60 days | SoFi updates credit reports to show "Deceased/Discharged". |
| Refund of Overpayments | 4–8 weeks | If auto-pay continued after death. |
Note: Do not stop payments immediately if there is a cosigner until you have confirmed the "deceased flag" is active, to avoid accidental late fees.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Stop Automatic Payments Immediately
Call SoFi as soon as possible to stop AutoPay. If payments are drafted after the date of death, recovering those funds can take months and may require opening a formal estate account.
Do Not Refinance Federal Loans if Terminally Ill
If a borrower has federal student loans and is terminally ill, do not refinance them into a private SoFi loan. Federal loans have guaranteed death discharge by law. While SoFi also offers this, keeping them federal eliminates any risk of policy changes or eligibility disputes.
Check for "Compassionate Review"
If you are a surviving spouse or cosigner struggling with payments on a loan that isn't eligible for full discharge (rare for SoFi student loans, but possible for other loan types), ask for a Compassionate Review. SoFi may offer modification options.
Keep the Case Number
When you first call, write down the Case Number or Service Request ID. You will need this if you have to call back to check the status of the discharge.
Send Certified Mail
Always send the death certificate via Certified Mail with Return Receipt. This proves that SoFi received the document in case it gets lost in their internal mail system.