Borrower News and Resources

Navigating student loans can be confusing. Here’s some information that may help.

Current News

Fresh Start Program Offers Special Benefits to Borrowers with Defaulted Loans

You may be able to take advantage of the U.S. Department of Education’s Fresh Start program if you defaulted on your federal student loan before March 13, 2020. Through this program, you can get your loan back in good standing and also get special benefits not usually available to borrowers with defaulted loans. These benefits include:

Stopped collections.
Removal of the default from your credit report.
Access to federal student aid.
Access to income-driven repayment plans and student loan forgiveness programs.

Fresh Start is only open for a short time, and you must sign up to participate. To see if you’re eligible and to sign up, call 866-348-0715, or log into your Default Loan Help account.

Borrowers Can Get Loan Forgiveness Credit Through One-Time Account Adjustment

The Direct Loan program has benefits that the Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program doesn’t. Normally, consolidating a FFEL Program loan into a Direct Loan resets any progress you’ve made toward loan forgiveness. The U.S. Department of Education is offering a one-time account adjustment that may bring borrowers who consolidate to a Direct Loan closer to loan forgiveness. If you have a FFEL Program loan and are eligible for this adjustment, make sure you consolidate to a Direct Loan no later than April 30, 2024.

Be Aware of Scams

Debt relief scammers promise to help you get rid of your student loan debt but only if you first pay a fee. Remember, you don’t have to pay for help with your federal student loan. We’re here to help for free. If you have questions about your defaulted loan, email us or call 866-348-0715.

Ascendium Resources

Free Student Loan Help

Take the guesswork out of your student loan debt. Through My Way to Repay, a joint effort between Ascendium and Savi, you can compare your repayment and forgiveness options side-by-side, get the latest policy updates, and connect with experts for advice tailored to your unique situation — all for free.

Repayment Plan Changes

If your loan is past due and hasn’t yet defaulted or you’re struggling to make loan payments, email us or call us at 800-236-2700 to discuss your repayment options and develop a repayment plan that works for you.

Defaulted Loan Options

If you’re trying to get your loan back in good standing, we can help guide you through your options.

ASCENDIUM BORROWERS

Call our Default Customer Support at 866-348-0715, or log into your Default Loan Help account for information specific to your situation. It’s easy to create an account if you don’t have one.

FLORIDA BORROWERS

Call our guarantor loan servicer at 800-366-3475.

U.S. Department of Education Resources

College and Career Options

Finding the right college or career path can be challenging. The Institute of Education Sciences, part of the U.S. Department of Education, shares resources to help you compare colleges, get financing, and explore your career interests.

Financial Aid

Many forms of federal aid are available to help you pay for education expenses. Federal Student Aid, part of the U.S. Department of Education, explains what your options are, how to apply for aid, and how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Your Loan Details

Your Federal Student Aid account is the best place to find information about your loan, such as its status or who your loan servicer is. (This is the company you send loan payments to.) It’s easy to create an account if you haven’t already. You’ll just need your Social Security number and phone number or email address.

Loan Forgiveness

If you qualify for student loan forgiveness, you may not have to pay back part or all of your loan. There are many types of loan forgiveness, and they’re often dependent on your job or circumstances. Your loan servicer can help determine if you qualify for loan forgiveness.