It might take the services of a lawyer but it is difficult, but possible to discharge all types of student loans through bankruptcy.

It's a drastic step I know, but it might be the only way to get out from under a private student loan. Yes, you will need a lawyer but you might be able to get a free or low cost one through various organizations.

I did a non-student loan bankruptcy in 2004 or so and yeah it sucks but if you are careful, you can come out of it in really good shape credit-wise.

I am currently under an income-based repayment plan for my student loans($0.00 a month) and have an application in for total discharge, which is supposed to be a slam dunk as a 100% disabled vet, we shall see. I am more worried about getting an IRS insolvency done then the discharge. Getting a disability discharge makes that amount taxable, which is absolutely cruel, but if your assets are less then your debts, you can qualify for insolvency and duck the tax bill. That is what the tax guy I talked to told me.

At least with a bankruptcy, taxes aren't an issue unless things have changed in 12 years.

Maybe you can get a discharge for your federal loans and then deal with the private ones in bankruptcy to help keep things simpler. It might sway the court if the department of education has granted you a disability discharge.

Income-based repayment is an option for your federal loans, I don't think it works for private loans.