Identify Your Loan Problem

The following is a list of some of some common problems and issues with student loans, with a brief description of each and a link to additional information.

Your loan is in default

Your loan is in default if you have not made payments for 270 days (if you make monthly payments) or 330 days (if your payments are less frequent).

You want to discharge your loan.

There are several situations that might allow you to have your loans discharged. If you meet any of the conditions listed on the cancellation/discharge page, you should visit the Repaying section of the Student Portal to find out how to apply.

Your account balance is wrong.

Do you believe you've made loan payments that your loan servicer hasn't credited to your account? For more information, see learn about your loan.

Your wages have been garnished.

If you are in default on your student loan, federal regulations and law allow your guaranty agency to garnish up to 10% of your disposable income, or the U.S. Department of Education to garnish up to 15% of your disposable income for repayment of your student loan.

Your tax refund was automatically taken.

The U.S. Department of Education has the authority to request that the Internal Revenue Service withhold income tax refunds to collect on defaulted federal student loans.

Student loan debt is causing you to have a bad credit report.

If you believe that the your loan servicer has reported inaccurate information to the credit bureaus, you should file a consumer dispute with the bureaus. Contact the three national major credit bureaus in writing to tell them what information you believe is inaccurate.

You filed for bankruptcy but are still getting loan repayment bills.

Many people who file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy think they no longer have to make payments on their student loans. If you filed for bankruptcy after October 7, 1998, however, your loan is probably non-dischargeable.

You can't afford to make payments on your student loan.

If you have trouble making your student loan payments, contact your loan servicer immediately. You may qualify for a deferment, forbearance, or other form of payment relief. And it's important to take action before you incur late fees or your credit is affected.