More than 178,000 troops may be eligible for this student loan debt forgiveness benefit, watchdog says Troops need more information about this student loan debt forgiveness program. (Michael Burrell) Although many military members and Defense Department civilian employees could benefit financially from a 14-year-old federal student loan debt forgiveness program, the benefit is underused and misunderstood, according to a new report from government auditor. Few have applied so far for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, and of those who have, about 94 percent have been denied, according to the report from Government Accountability Office, showing a need for more information about eligibility requirements.