On Friday, the Department of Education launched a beta test of its website where student loan borrowers can apply for federal loan forgiveness. 

The federal agency said it is accepting applications to help refine the process before the official launch of the form later this month. 

The portal will be available intermittently during beta testing. According to The Washington Post, the department's technical team will pause the site at various times for evaluations, enhancements, and maintenance. The agency encourages borrowers who are unable to access the form to try again later or wait until the application is available to everyone.

"Borrowers will not have to reapply during the beta test, but no applications will be processed until the official launch of the site later this month," a department spokesperson told to The Washington Post. "This testing period will allow the department to monitor the site's performance through real-world use, test the site before the official launch of the application, refine processes and uncover any potential bugs before the official launch."

Federal student loan debt relief offers full or partial loan forgiveness of up to $20.000 to Federal Pell Grant recipients and up to $10,000 to non-Pell Grant recipients earning less than $125.000.  

To apply for the condonation, go to https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief/application.