Where to begin
- Confirm loan ownership using your loan records and official account information.
- Federal loans use federal repayment/default/discharge processes; official help is available without paying a relief company.
- Private lender options differ. Legal review can matter for collection, cosigners or bankruptcy issues.
What changes the path?
- Who owns the education loan?
- Could a lower monthly payment be workable?
- Whether there are court papers, a lien, a levy, or a property/service deadline.
- The jurisdiction, balance and specific agreement or program.
Federal and private loans belong in separate entries
| Loan type | A useful route |
|---|---|
| Federal | StudentAid.gov and the official servicer for current program, repayment, default or discharge information. |
| Private | Lender hardship and repayment review; specialist legal advice where negotiation, cosigner or collection issues arise. |
| Unsure | Identify the loan owner and program before selecting a service. |
Protect your access
Do not share an FSA ID or pay a company merely to access free federal applications. Avoid relying on an old article for a repayment plan that may have changed. This preview does not determine discharge, forgiveness or settlement eligibility.
What to gather
Keep the original agreement, recent itemized statement, payment history and any notices. Review them privately; this questionnaire does not need documents, account numbers or sensitive identifiers.
Keep the tradeoffs in view.
A creditor does not have to agree. Missed payments may add costs, damage credit or lead to legal action. Check any tax consequences of forgiven debt.
Sources you can inspect
- Federal Student Aid: Manage loans
- CFPB: Student loan help
- Find local legal aid (Legal Services Corporation)
Educational research dated October 18, 2026. Rules and programs can change. This page has not received an attorney or professional signoff.