There is no single "government debt relief program" that wipes out consumer debt. If you see ads for a "Biden Debt Relief Plan" or "Federal Debt Forgiveness Program" for credit cards and personal loans, it's either misleading marketing or an outright scam. But the government does offer several legitimate programs that help with specific types of debt.
IRS Fresh Start Initiative (tax debt): The IRS offers installment agreements, Offers in Compromise, Currently Not Collectible status, and penalty abatement for people who owe back taxes. These are real programs administered directly by the IRS. You can apply yourself at irs.gov without paying a third party. The "Fresh Start" changes made installment agreements available for debts up to $50,000 and made Offers in Compromise easier to qualify for.
Federal student loan programs: Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans cap monthly payments at 10% to 20% of discretionary income. The SAVE plan (Saving on a Valuable Education) offers the lowest payments for most borrowers. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) forgives remaining federal student loan balances after 120 qualifying payments while working for a government or nonprofit employer. Teacher Loan Forgiveness provides up to $17,500 in forgiveness after 5 years of teaching in qualifying schools. These are all administered through studentaid.gov.
Bankruptcy (court-administered): Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy are federal legal proceedings that can discharge or restructure most consumer debts. While not a "program" in the traditional sense, bankruptcy is a government-administered process with specific consumer protections.
HUD-approved housing counseling: The Department of Housing and Urban Development certifies housing counseling agencies that help with mortgage delinquency, foreclosure prevention, and reverse mortgage counseling. These services are free. Find an agency at hud.gov/counseling.
State and local programs: Some states have their own assistance programs. Many states offer utility assistance (LIHEAP), emergency rental assistance, and state-funded legal aid for debt-related legal issues. Check 211.org or call 211 for local resources.
What doesn't exist: There is no government program that eliminates credit card debt, personal loan debt, or medical debt. Companies that claim to enroll you in a "government debt relief program" for these types of debt are using the government's name to market their own for-profit services. The CFPB has taken enforcement action against companies making these claims.
If someone contacts you claiming to be from a government debt relief program, don't give them money or personal information. Verify any program through the relevant government website directly (irs.gov, studentaid.gov, hud.gov).