Taxes this year if owe student loans?

I dont work and havent for about 2 years now.We have disable children that need alot of attention and are constantly at dr.appointments every week.He owes student loans so last year he just filed head of household because we thought it really didnt make a difference.They took the refund.So I was wondering if I filed married jointly with him this year would they be able to take it or at least would it be split .We have 3 kids and It really broke my heart last year.