Managing your federal student loans doesn\u2019t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re starting repayment, exploring your options, or trying to get back on track, this page will walk you through the process with clarity and confidence.<\/p>\n
Your loan servicer<\/strong> is the company assigned by the U.S. Department of Education to manage your federal student loans and payments. They\u2019re your main point of contact for repayment and can help you:<\/p>\n Even if you\u2019re behind or uncertain about your situation, it\u2019s not too late to take action. Reaching out now can help you avoid late fees, protect your credit, and build a stronger financial future.<\/p>\n Log in to StudentAid.gov<\/a> using the same credentials you used for your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). From your dashboard, look for the \u201cMy Loan Servicers<\/strong>\u201d section to find your loan servicer.<\/p>\n Need help? Call the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).<\/p>\n Visit your servicer\u2019s website to view your loan balance, payment amount, and due date. If it\u2019s your first time using their site, you\u2019ll need to create an online account.<\/p>\n Use the Loan Simulator<\/a> to compare repayment plans and see what fits your budget, including income-driven options that could lower your monthly bill.<\/p>\n Keep your contact information up to date with both your servicer and StudentAid.gov<\/a>. That way, you won\u2019t miss important updates about your loan status or payment plan.<\/p>\n Who can I contact if I have questions or need support with student loan repayment?<\/a><\/p> Your loan servicer<\/strong> is your main point of contact for questions about your federal student loans. They can help you review your balance, explore repayment options, and request a pause on payments if needed.<\/p>\n ACC also partners with Trellis<\/strong>, a nonprofit organization that supports students during repayment. Trellis may contact you by phone, email, or text \u2014 especially if you\u2019re entering repayment or have missed payments. They can:<\/p>\n Contact Trellis<\/strong>: 888-642-9557 | trelliscompany.org<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n Who is my loan servicer, and how do I find them?<\/a><\/p> Your loan servicer is the company managing your federal student loans and handling your payments. Log in to StudentAid.gov<\/a> using the same credentials you used for your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). From your dashboard, look for the \u201cMy Loan Servicers<\/strong>\u201d section to find your loan servicer.<\/p>\n If it\u2019s your first time using your servicer\u2019s site, you\u2019ll need to create an online account. Follow their instructions to register and access your loan information.<\/p>\n Need help logging in? Call the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n How do I check my loan balance and payment amount?<\/a><\/p> Visit your servicer\u2019s website to see your balance, due date, and payment options. You\u2019ll need to create an account if you haven\u2019t already.<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n When do I need to start making payments on my loans?<\/a><\/p> If you\u2019ve graduated or are no longer enrolled in school, your loan payments may already be due.<\/p>\n To confirm:<\/p>\n Note<\/strong>: If you can’t make a payment, please contact your loan servicer for help\u2014or reach out to Trellis<\/strong>, ACC\u2019s default prevention partner, at 888-642-9557<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n I am a parent who took out a Direct PLUS loan. When do I start repayment?<\/a><\/p> Parent PLUS loan repayment typically begins 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed. However, you can request a deferment to delay payments until six months after your child graduates or drops below half-time enrollment.<\/p>\n For more information on Direct PLUS loans and how to manage repayment, please visit this page<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n I'm having trouble logging into studentaid.gov. Where can I get help?<\/a><\/p> Visit the Federal Student Aid Help Center<\/a> for login and account support.<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n How can I lower my monthly payment?<\/a><\/p> You may qualify for an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan that lowers your monthly payment based on your income. Use the Loan Simulator<\/a> to compare plans, or contact your loan servicer directly.<\/p>\n Note<\/strong>: If you can’t make a payment, please contact your loan servicer for help\u2014or reach out to Trellis<\/strong>, ACC\u2019s default prevention partner, at 888-642-9557<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n Can I pause my payments temporarily?<\/a><\/p> Yes, if you’re facing short-term financial challenges, you may qualify for a deferment or forbearance<\/a> with your loan servicer, which gives you a temporary break from loan payments. Contact your loan servicer to learn more.<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n I\u2019m worried about affording my monthly payments. Can someone help me create a budget?<\/a><\/p> Yes, if your monthly payments feel out of reach, you’re not alone. Alongside your loan servicer\u2019s options, like income-driven repayment or temporary pauses, you can also get budgeting support from one of ACC\u2019s trusted community partners.<\/p>\n Foundation Communities<\/strong> offers free financial coaching to help you build a budget, manage expenses, and plan ahead. Appointments are available virtually or in person. Schedule a free session at foundcom.org\/financial-coaching<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n What happens if I\u2019ve missed student loan payments?<\/a><\/p> If you’ve missed payments, it\u2019s important to reconnect with your loan servicer as soon as possible. They can help you explore options to get back on track and avoid further consequences like default<\/a> or collections<\/a>.<\/p>\n Note<\/strong>: If you can’t make a payment, please contact your loan servicer for help\u2014or reach out to Trellis<\/strong>, ACC\u2019s default prevention partner, at 888-642-9557<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n What does it mean if my student loan is in default?<\/a><\/p> A loan goes into default<\/a> when you miss payments for an extended period\u2014usually 270 days or more for most federal loans. Default has serious consequences, including damage to your credit, loss of eligibility for future financial aid, and collections actions like wage garnishment or tax refund withholding.<\/p>\n It\u2019s not too late to take action. You have options to get out of default and protect your financial future.<\/p>\n Visit this Federal Student Aid page<\/a> to learn how to get back on track.<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n I got a notice from the U.S. Department of the Treasury about the Treasury Offset Program because of student loan default. What does this mean?<\/a><\/p> This notice means that one or more of your federal student loans are in default, and your federal benefits may be affected. The Treasury Offset Program allows the government to apply certain federal payments\u2014like your tax refund or Social Security benefits\u2014toward your unpaid loan balance. In some cases, your wages may also be garnished.<\/p>\n It\u2019s not too late to take action. You have options to get out of default and protect your financial future.<\/p>\n Visit this Federal Student Aid page<\/a> to learn how to get back on track.<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n I\u2019m still attending college. Do I need to make student loan payments?<\/a><\/p> If you\u2019re enrolled at least part-time, you likely qualify for an in-school deferment<\/a>, which means you do not need to make payments. Your college will inform your loan servicer about your enrollment status so they can update your loan to an in-school deferment. Contact your loan servicer and college with any questions.<\/p>\n ACC Students: <\/strong>We update your loan servicer each semester. If you’re enrolled at ACC part-time or more, you don\u2019t need to take extra steps to qualify for the in-school deferment.<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n I\u2019m thinking about going back to school. How does that impact my loans?<\/a><\/p> If you return to school at least part-time, you may qualify for an in-school deferment<\/a>. <\/p>\n If you are enrolled at least part-time and your in-school deferment was not automatically applied, contact your loan servicer and college to update your enrollment status.<\/p>\n ACC Students: <\/strong>We update your loan servicer each semester. If you’re enrolled at ACC part-time or more, you don\u2019t need to take extra steps to qualify for the in-school deferment.<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n For more details on repayment, visit the Federal Student Aid Repaying Student Loans Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n Contact ACC\u2019s Financial Aid Office<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Managing your federal student loans doesn\u2019t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re starting repayment, exploring your options, or trying to get back on track, this page will walk you through the process with clarity and … Continue reading \n
What You Can Do Now<\/h2>\n
Step 1: Find Your Loan Servicer<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Step 2: Review Your Loan Details<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Step 3: Explore Repayment Options<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Step 4: Stay Informed<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
Getting Started<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Payment Flexibility & Support<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Enrollment & Returning to School<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Still need help? <\/strong> We\u2019re here for you.<\/em><\/h2>\n