Loan Restructuring 2.0 Meaning, Eligibility, and Guidelines

Loan Restructuring 2.0 is an RBI initiative to help borrowers facing financial difficulties due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This program allows borrowers to restructure their loans by adjusting terms such as interest rates, repayment schedules, or extending tenure. It is designed to support individuals and businesses struggling to meet their loan obligations because of the pandemic's economic impact.

Restructuring 2.0 can be an effective way to avoid defaulting on loans while providing borrowers more flexibility.

What is Loan Restructuring 2.0?

Loan Restructuring 2.0 is the latest RBI framework on restructuring of loans designed to help borrowers facing financial distress due to COVID-19. This program allows borrowers to negotiate new loan terms with lenders to avoid defaulting, typically by lowering interest rates, extending loan tenures, or allowing flexible repayment options. It's aimed at reducing the financial burden on borrowers during challenging times.

The restructuring scheme aims to prevent defaults and maintain financial stability by providing borrowers additional time or more manageable terms to repay their loans.

Who is Eligible for Loan Restructuring 2.0?

Loan Restructuring 2.0 eligibility focuses on borrowers with loan accounts classified as "Standard" as of March 31, 2021. This means they have been making regular loan payments and have a good repayment history. Borrowers with defaulted or inactive loans are ineligible for this scheme.

The restructuring scheme also excludes MSMEs that have already availed of the previous restructuring framework. However, individual borrowers with prior restructured loans can still apply, provided the total tenure extension doesn't exceed 24 months. The RBI designed this flexibility to offer more support to individuals during economic hardship.

Restructuring 2.0 also includes Business Loans for non-MSMEs with aggregate exposure of no more than Rs 50 Crore. It extends to a broader range of borrowers, emphasising the importance of regular loan servicing to qualify for this scheme.

Read Also- Loan Restructuring- All You Need to Know

Which Kind of Loans Are Eligible for Restructuring 2.0?

Loan Restructuring 2.0 covers various loan types. For individuals, the scheme includes Housing Loans, Education Loans, Auto Loans (excluding commercial use), and all variants of Personal Loans, including credit card-related restructuring.

For business purposes, loans to entrepreneurs should not exceed Rs 50 Crore in aggregate exposure as of March 31, 2021. Loans for small businesses, including those in retail and wholesale trade, must be non-MSMEs and have aggregate exposure not exceeding Rs 50 Crore. Loans under eDFS and eVFS are also covered by this scheme. 

Required Documents for Loan Restructuring 2.0

When applying for Loan Restructuring 2.0, borrowers must prove financial distress due to COVID-19. This evidence is essential to show that you're facing genuine economic hardship and need help with loan repayments. Some common reasons to apply include a reduction in salary or income, job loss or business closure, and suspension of salary during lockdowns. If you're self-employed, reduced activity in your business can also qualify you for restructuring.

To support your application, you'll need specific documents that show your financial situation. If you're employed, submit salary slips from March 2021 and the most recent slips from the last two months. If you lost your job, provide a letter of discharge or termination. 

For business owners, GST returns from October 2020 and income tax returns for the fiscal years 2019 and 2020 are required. Additionally, self-employed individuals should include a declaration stating how COVID-19 has impacted their business. These documents are crucial in demonstrating your need for loan restructuring.

How to Apply for Loan Restructuring 2.0?

To apply for Loan Restructuring 2.0, follow these steps:

1. Visit the lender’s website and fill in the application with relevant personal details.
2. Submit the required documents as proof of financial distress.
3. Wait for a confirmation email or SMS from the lender.
4. Once your application is approved, a relationship manager will contact you to discuss the new loan terms.

What are the Advantages of Loan Restructuring 2.0?

Loan Restructuring 2.0 significantly benefits borrowers facing financial difficulties due to COVID-19. Here are some key advantages of this scheme:

• Postpone EMIs: This gives borrowers a break from their regular payments, offering relief to those experiencing cash flow problems. By postponing EMIs, borrowers can manage their finances during tough times.
• Reduce EMIs: With loan restructuring, borrowers can renegotiate their loan terms to lower their monthly payments. This is often achieved by extending the loan tenure or reducing interest rates, making loan repayments more affordable.
• Avoid Defaulting: Restructuring helps borrowers avoid missing payments, which could negatively impact their credit scores. By restructuring their loans, borrowers can maintain financial stability and protect their credit history, keeping future borrowing opportunities open.

Can Loan Restructuring Impact Your Credit Score?

Loan Restructuring 2.0 can affect your credit score since it indicates a renegotiation of loan terms due to financial distress. It is reported to credit bureaus as "Account Restructured under COVID-19," which could influence your credit rating.

However, the exact impact on your credit score depends on the credit bureau's interpretation. Although restructuring may limit future borrowing options temporarily, you can improve your credit score by making consistent payments after restructuring. It's a balancing act between immediate relief and long-term credit implications.

Conclusion

Loan Restructuring 2.0 is a practical response to the economic impact of COVID-19, offering relief to borrowers struggling to meet their loan obligations. By adjusting loan terms to make them more manageable, this framework helps borrowers avoid defaulting and maintain financial stability. However, applicants should understand that this scheme can affect credit scores and future borrowing opportunities.

It's essential to consider your financial situation and evaluate whether restructuring is the best option. While it offers immediate relief, careful planning and timely repayments are crucial to mitigate long-term consequences on your credit profile.

Those looking for a Personal Loan with a poor credit score can apply with Hero FinCorp. You can get the required loan without collateral at the best possible interest rates.  

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Loan Restructuring good or bad?

Loan Restructuring can be beneficial if you're struggling to meet your loan obligations due to unforeseen circumstances. However, it may have implications for your credit score and future borrowing.

2. What is a Loan Restructuring program?

A Loan Restructuring program allows borrowers to negotiate changes to their loan terms to avoid default. These often include adjustments to interest rates, repayment schedules, or loan tenure.

3. How many times can a loan be restructured?

Typically, loans can be restructured once. However, eligibility for restructuring may vary based on the specific loan framework and guidelines from the Reserve Bank of India.

4. How can I remove "restructure" from CIBIL?

You can improve your CIBIL score by consistently making timely loan payments after restructuring. Over time, this can help reduce the impact of "restructured" status on your credit report.

5. What are the risks of restructuring?

The risks associated with Loan Restructuring include potential negative effects on your credit score, increased loan tenure, and higher interest costs over time. Restructuring should be considered carefully, weighing the immediate relief against long-term financial implications.

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