I'm sorry - truly, I am - but the loans aren't going to go away. Because Sallie Mae is considered to be federal, they can garnish up to 25% of her wages per paycheck. There may be State-specific exemptions, so if she does get paperwork she'll need to fill everything out and see how much disposable income she has - that will give an indication of how much they'll be able to take.
I realize that you don't want to apply for benefits, but seriously if you are legitimately unable to work I don't see how you have any real option other than to do that.

