President Donald Trump signed an executive order March 20 to “begin eliminating the federal Department of Education once and for all.”

But the department can’t actually be shut down without an act of Congress — and neither can your student loan debt.

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said Thursday that she expected some key functions of the Education Department, including federal student loans and special education funding, to remain at the reduced agency.

What does this mean for FAFSA, college aid programs?

Right now, nothing is changing in terms of federal student aid programs. Students and families still can submit the FAFSA.

Congressionally funded and authorized programs such as the Pell grants remain in effect.

What does this mean for student loan payments?

The Education Department is a big bank in all but name. It lends billions to students and parents each year and oversees the collection of roughly $1.6 trillion in outstanding loans for over 40 million borrowers.

The White House was reportedly shopping that portfolio around to other agencies, but as of Thursday, no one wants to take it on.

So the Education Department remains in charge of overseeing loan repayments and forgiveness.

Individual borrowers shouldn’t see any changes to their loans, but should always keep records of payments.

Should I keep making my loan payments?

Yes.

One important thing to keep in mind: The terms and conditions of your federal student loans cannot change even if the agency overseeing them does, experts say. Borrowers’ rights were guaranteed when they signed the master promissory note when their loans were originated.

What happens to student loan forgiveness?

Without the Education Department operating at full capacity, borrowers may find their applications for existing loan forgiveness programs stalled. Federal student loan borrowers can be eligible for debt cancellation under income-driven repayment plans or if they become disabled, among other reasons.