New Student Loan
Management System
The new system will provide a more modern, secure, and userfriendly experience for borrowers, institutions, and scholarship recipients. It will support the administration and servicing of the College Access Loan (CAL), Future Occupations & Reskilling Workforce Advancement to Reach Demand (FORWARD) Loan, and Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program (TASSP).
Key SLMS Transition Dates &
Deadlines Requiring Action
|
Audience |
Date |
Event |
|---|---|---|
|
Applicants & Cosigners |
Sept. 15, 2026 |
Last day to submit a CAL or FORWARD application in the current HelmNet portal. |
|
Institutions |
Sept. 25, 2026 |
Last day for institutions to certify pending CAL or FORWARD applications before system transition. Assign disbursement dates by the end of September to ensure funds are disbursed before the system transition. |
|
Institutions |
Oct. 2, 2026 |
Final disbursement of CAL or FORWARD in the current system. Disbursements will resume after the new system launches. |
|
Applicants & Cosigners |
Oct. 9, 2026 |
Last day to accept all disclosures, including the Loan Approval Disclosure (LAD), for pending CAL or FORWARD applications. Any pending applications remaining after this date will be canceled. A new application must be submitted in the new SLMS portal. |
|
Borrowers & Cosigners |
Oct. 21, 2026 |
Final date for payments to apply to borrower accounts in the current HelmNet portal. |
|
All Customers |
Oct. 22, 2026 |
New Student Loan Management System (SLMS) launches. |
Important TASSP Update
TASSP will follow a separate transition timeline from CAL and FORWARD to accommodate nominations through November 30. Please continue using the current system for TASSP until additional guidance is provided. THECB will communicate the revised TASSP transition timeline as soon as it is available.
Key Benefits
End-to-End Application Tracking
Monitor application progress from submission through certification, disbursement, and servicing.
Streamlined Certification Process
Certify and update loan information online through a dedicated institution portal.
Real-Time Status Updates
Access current application, eligibility, and disbursement information without waiting for manual updates.
Automated Notifications
Receive system-generated updates when borrower information changes or actions are required.
Reporting and Data Access
Generate and download reports to support financial aid administration and reconciliation activities.
Improved Student Loan Visibility
Online access to loan details from application through repayment.
What You Need to Know
Plan Ahead
Institutions are encouraged to schedule
fall 2026 disbursements during August
and September 2026 to ensure a smooth
transition to the new Student Loan
Management System.
Stay Informed
To stay informed throughout the
transition, all stakeholders are
encouraged to subscribe to the Student
Financial Aid Programs listserv for
updates and communications.
Institutional Resources
Training webinars, instructional guides,
FAQs, and transition materials will be
listed below as they become available throughout summer 2026.
Student Resources
Resources and guidance will be available
on HHLoans to help students successfully
navigate the transition to the new Student
Loan Management System.
Download a printable version of the SLMS flyer.