<prompt> Human: I am33 and make about 35 k per year working as a social worker. We have one kid and my wife works part time making about 5 k per year. I have been getting forbearances for years because I couldnt even afford to pay off the interest payments on these loans. I know eventually the government could garnish about 15 percent of my pay, and with this much debt I may never be able to get a mortgage. I know a lot of others are in my situation. Its an awful feeling. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  <response>: 70K in student loans and you only earn 35K? Damn dude! Did you get a graduate degree too or just a bachelors? I dont mean to make you feel bad but your income is almost at poverty levels with a kid and a wife to take car of. 