Maybe, but it's important to consider your workplace obligations and consult your accountant to discuss tax implications before requesting a refund from the Department of Education (DOE).
According to the DOE, as a Federal student loan borrower, "you have an option to request a refund for any payments you made during the loan payment pause (March 13, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2022)".
However, if contributions were applied to your student loan through your employer's Section 127 Educational Assitance plan, it's unlikely that you can receive a refund for these payments free and clear.
First, most employers require that contributions be made directly to the student loan, so if you request a refund of your employer's contributions, you might be in violation of the terms of your employer's benefit plan. Or you might be required to return them to the company.
Second, employers offering tax-free student loan repayment under a Section 127 Educational Assistance plan, may not provide eligible employees with a choice between educational assistance benefits and any other taxable compensation (whether cash or non-cash). So, if you receive the funds back or if the employer (through Peanut Butter) receives a refund on your behalf, the money is due to the employer and may not be provided to the employee.
To keep things simple, your best bet -- if you decide to request a refund -- is to follow the advice of the DOE and "request a refund for any payments you made", not those made by your employer or another entity.
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