But it's far from clear that another extension will come from Trump, and the government has been unable to reach a deal on any further stimulus in the meantime. Now, student loan experts are telling borrowers to brace for the pause to lapse and payments to restart in 2021. "Borrowers should sort of prepare for the worst and hope for the best," said Betsy Mayotte, president and founder of the Institute of Student Loan Advisors. Check in with your debt now Those with student loan debt should take inventory of their finances and reevaluate their payment plan as soon as they can, said certified financial planner Lauryn Williams, founder of financial firm Worth Winning in Dallas.