The Education Department’s move to resume collections on millions of student loans after a five-year pause sets the stage to drive a new wave of bankruptcy filings and test little-used government guidance on discharging those debts.

Borrowers who are roughly a year behind on their loans could face harsh consequences such as having their Social Security benefits taken and their wages garnished.

The Education Department will begin to notify borrowers in default via email, encouraging them to make a payment or enroll in a repayment plan.