The Department of Education has announced a reduction in interest rates for federal student loans, describing it as part of a plan to make higher education more affordable. With growing numbers of borrowers in default, the Trump administration pitched the temporary, 1% reduction in student loan interest rates as a salve for those struggling with repayment. Education Undersecretary Nicholas Kent said Thursday that the change is a way of “making student loan repayment easier than ever” and of improving “the overall health of the federal student loan portfolio.” But the change does not apply to all borrowers, and those pursuing the reduction will need to meet eligibility criteria.

Borrowers only have until the end of September to ensure they get the benefit.

The Education Department announced a 1% student-loan interest-rate deduction for borrowers who enroll in autopay beginning July 1.