what attorney general do i contact regarding student loans

by Gregoria Tremblay 7 min read

Students who have questions or are looking for restitution for their student loans can call the Attorney General's Student Loan Helpline and speak to someone directly about receiving help: 1 (800) 455-2456. Former Corinthian Colleges Students Eligible for Streamlined Loan Discharge

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Should you contact a student loan lawyer?

The Attorney General's Office also created the Student Loan Helpline (1-800-455-2456; TTY: 1-800-964-3013) to provide struggling student borrowers with free resources about repayment options and information on avoiding default. Borrowers can also call to file consumer complaints regarding issues with the billing and servicing of their loans.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for student loan forgiveness?

Jan 13, 2022 · HARRISBURG–Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced today that Navient, known as one of the nation’s largest student loan servicers, will provide relief totaling $1.85 billion to resolve allegations of widespread unfair, deceptive, and abusive student loan servicing practices and abuses in originating predatory student loans.

Where can I go to get help with student loan debt?

Learn about common student loan assistance scams and how to avoid them. Paying off student loan debt can be overwhelming and daunting. Scammers prey on this, baiting consumers with fraudulent offers to defer, lower, consolidate or eliminate debt. Through so-called student loan assistance programs, they offer unnecessary services and unhelpful one-size-fits-all solutions.

Do I need a lawyer to file bankruptcy for student loans?

Today, outstanding student debt in our country is approximately $1.41 trillion. 1 In Ohio, 62 percent percent of students graduate with an average debt of $30,629. 2. Attorney General Yost believes it is important to provide Ohioans with information and tools they can use to make wise borrowing decisions and be prepared for student loan repayment.

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Can I dispute my federal student loans?

The bureau provides oversight of many financial products, including private student loans, and can assist with disputes. Federal student loan borrowers also have the option of filing a complaint with the bureau. You can submit a complaint through the bureau's online database and follow the process of the dispute.

Who do I contact about my federal student loans?

1-800-433-3243The Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) is available 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.

Who can I talk to about student loan forgiveness?

If you're interested in PSLF, contact FedLoan, the PSLF servicer, as soon as possible at 1-855-265-4038.

How do I sue my student loan servicer?

For private student loans, there is just one option: File a complaint through the CFPB's online complaint system or by calling 1-855-411-2372. The CFPB forwards the complaint to the lender or servicer and seeks a response.

How do I look up my student loans?

StudentAid.gov is the U.S. Department of Education's comprehensive database for all federal student aid information....At StudentAid.gov, you can find:Your student loan amounts and balances.Your loan servicer(s) and their contact information.Your interest rates.Your current loan status (in repayment, in default, etc.)

How do I find out about my student loans?

You can use the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) to find out what federal loans you have. As of February 2020, the NSLDS site is found on the Department's StudentAid.gov site.

Do student loans go away after 7 years?

Do student loans go away after 7 years? Student loans don't go away after seven years. There is no program for loan forgiveness or cancellation after seven years. But if you recently checked your credit report and are wondering, "why did my student loans disappear?" The answer is that you have defaulted student loans.Jan 13, 2022

What will happen to student loans in 2021?

We're almost to the end of 2021, and there is no legislative or executive plan to broadly forgive federal student loan debt. The most recent update was at the end of October from Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, who said the Biden administration continues to examine broad-based loan forgiveness.Dec 22, 2021

Who is the best person to talk to about student loans?

You should talk to your school's financial aid office – they will have information about your federal student loan options. Additionally, you can speak with the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) for information on student loans.Jun 23, 2021

How do I know if I qualify for the Navient lawsuit?

To be eligible for this payment, borrowers must have entered repayment on their federal student loans before 2015, have been eligible for an income-driven repayment plan but instead gotten guided to entering forbearance over the phone by a Navient employee, and have kept that forbearance in place for at least two years ...Feb 1, 2022

Can I join the Navient lawsuit?

Even if you have not received an email regarding this lawsuit, but you have declared bankruptcy since October 2005 and you had, at the time of your bankruptcy, student loans owned and/or serviced by Navient Solutions and/or Navient Credit Finance Corporation, then you may be eligible to join this lawsuit.

Who regulates private student loans?

The Department of Financial Protection and InnovationThe Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) licenses and regulates student loan servicers operating in California.Jan 20, 2022

For general inquiries, and questions about the Department (ED) or education policy

Information Resource Center: 1-800-872-5327 (202-401-2000 in the D.C. metropolitan area)

Fraud, Waste & Abuse Hotline

The Office of the Inspector General ( OIG) investigates fraud, waste, or abuse involving:

Publications

The Education Publications Center (ED Pubs) is the Department's one-stop center for access to ED information products, including publications, videos, brochures, posters, and other mailings. Use the ED Pubs On-Line Ordering System ( https://www.edpubs.gov/) or call ED Pubs at the toll-free number 1-877-4-ED-PUBS (877-433-7827).

Research & Statistics

The National Library of Education in the Institute of Education Sciences maintains a telephone line staffed by trained information specialists. Members of the public, including educators and researchers, typically call this number for information about education statistics and education research information. The number is 202-205-5015.

Civil Rights Hotline

Call the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at 1-800-421-3481 to report any educational discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, etc., request information on civil rights compliance programs, procedures for filing discrimination complaints, or access to civil rights regulatory and policy documents. The local number in Washington, D.C.

Can student loans be forgiven?

If a company promises you that they can eliminate or reduce your student loan debt, use caution. Student loan debt generally cannot be eliminated or forgiven, aside from special exceptions – including death, permanent disability, identity theft, and federal loan forgiveness plans and income-based repayment plans that can take many years and are available only through the Department of Education. You do not need to hire someone to take advantage of these programs – you can set them up yourself for free through the Department of Education.

Is it a scam to consolidate student loans?

If a company charges you money upfront to consolidate your federal student loans, it is a scam. These companies will take your money under the guise of a processing fee without ever consolidating your loan.

Is student loan debt a scam?

Paying off student loan debt can be overwhelming and daunting. Scammers prey on this , baiting consumers with fraudulent offers to defer, lower, consolidate or eliminate debt. Through so-called student loan assistance programs, they offer unnecessary services and unhelpful one-size-fits-all solutions. They charge high fees, often for things that federal government programs offer for free. These scams could cost you thousands of dollars and drive you further into debt.

How to communicate with a lender?

The best way to communicate with your lender is via email or letter. Phone may get the quickest results, but you have very little in the way of proof at the conclusion of a conversation (unless you have a recording). For this reason, lenders are hesitant to communicate via email or letter.

How long does it take to respond to a complaint with the CFPB?

They will have 15 days to respond to your specific complaint. According to the CFPB all but the most complicated complaints are expected to be resolved with 60 days. The good part about this process is that you are getting a third party involved in your dispute with your lender.

What is CFPB complaint?

Complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau are taken very seriously by lenders. CFPB complaints help borrowers resolve their individual issues and shine a light on shady lender practices, which can lead to government lawsuits against lenders.

What is the purpose of the CFPB?

The purpose of the CFPB is to protect regular people from being taken advantage of by financial institutions. Not only is filing a complaint with the CFPB easy but doing so can get you results AND the information can be used to help others.

Can you take notes on a phone call?

Even if you are forced to communicate by phone, at the very least you can take notes of your phone calls. Track the time you called, who you spoke with, and what was discussed. If you are going to submit a complaint, you might be able to make it better by discussing it with others first.

How to get help with student loan debt?

According to Adam Minsky, a lawyer will typically help with the following when it comes to student loan debt:​ 1 Advice and counsel regarding your legal rights and options for your student loans. 2 Direct representation and advocacy in communications with student loan lenders, servicers, debt collection agencies, credit bureaus, dispute bodies, and other relevant entities. 3 Negotiations with student loan lenders, servicers, and debt collection agencies to obtain a desired resolution. 4 Assistance in the preparation, completion, and review of student loan-related documentation such as program applications, letters and correspondence, and contractual agreements (such as student loan rehabilitation or settlement agreements). 5 Representation in court to defend you against a student loan collections lawsuit or to pursue companies that have harmed you.

What is Avvo for lawyers?

Avvo also provides a record of client reviews and peer endorsements, which can be helpful in selecting an attorney. Once you find an attorney you might want to work with, cross-reference the attorney with your state bar association to see if that attorney has any record of public discipline.

What is a NACA?

NACA is a bar association for attorneys who only represent consumers and borrowers, and you can search for local attorneys who have listed “student loans” as an area of practice. Contact your state bar association for a referral (many state bar associations have referral services).

Who is Robert Farrington?

Robert Farrington. Robert Farrington is America’s Millennial Money Expert® and America’s Student Loan Debt Expert™, and the founder of The College Investor, a personal finance site dedicated to helping millennials escape student loan debt to start investing and building wealth for the future.

Is student loan debt hard?

Dealing with a difficult student loan situation can be tough. It's not only financially draining, but it can be extremely hard emotionally. If you find yourself wanting professional help for your student loan debt, make sure you consider whether a lawyer is the right choice.

Do I need a lawyer for student loans?

The fact is, most issues with your student loan debt doesn't require the services of a lawyer. For many things, such as changing your repayment plan or applying for student loan forgiveness programs, you can fill out the paperwork or online form yourself. However, there are scenarios where it can be very beneficial to pay a lawyer ...

How long can you default on a student loan?

Defaulting on student loans, whether federal or private, can have huge repercussions on your loans. Once one payment on a federal loan is late for more than 270 days, your loan balance is subject to a 24.5% addition to the balance of the loan and you can default multiple times.

What is considered an eligible student?

Eligible Student: An additional requirement for a qualified educational loan is that the private student loan borrower is an eligible student during the period of the loan. Some factors of an eligible student include being a US citizen or eligible non-citizen and enrollment in an eligible degree.

What is income driven repayment plan?

The income-driven repayment plans offered by the federal government allow individuals to base their monthly payments on their income. Another benefit of these federal income-driven repayment plans is that there is the opportunity to discharge the remaining balance on your loan once the required years are met.

Can student loans be discharged?

The truth is student debt can be discharged in several ways and there are many programs out there to help with student debt. The problem is there is not a lot of information available to student loan holders and there are very little professionals out there that understand the many options available.

What to do if you are being sued for student loans?

If you are being sued or are in collections, in most cases you will want to speak with a student loan lawyer. Often an attorney can help you see solutions you might miss before the window of opportunity for action narrows. Even if you decide to proceed on your own, it is a good idea to consult with an attorney.

What is it called when you can't pay your student loan?

Federal student loans and some private ones allow a postponement of payment under certain circumstances. This is called deferment. Various circumstances qualify such as being in school or the military.

How many people default on student loans?

Over 3,000 people default on their federal student loans each day in the United States. Fortunately, you have many options to help you get your payments under control, and most of these you can do yourself. However, there are occasions when it pays to hire a student loan lawyer. A student loan lawyer is an attorney who is experienced in dealing ...

How long do student loans take to default?

Your student loans are in default when you have not made payments for 270 days (about nine months). This is the point that signals to a lender that you do not intent to pay back a loan. Therefore, they will refer your case to a collection agency to take action against you. If you act quickly, you may be able to work things out with your loan servicer yourself. Even then, consulting with a student loan lawyer is not a bad idea even if you handle the bulk of the work yourself.

What is a TLFP?

The Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program (TLFP) is for those who teach in low-income schools or educational service agencies. To apply for student loan forgiveness for a teaching position, complete a Teacher Loan Forgiveness Application and submit it to your loan servicer.

What is Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy: Chapter 13 is a reorganization where you still repay debts but do so under a plan that prioritizes debts and may enable you to pay less every month while the plan is in place. If you have student loans, you will still owe the unpaid amount after the end of the Chapter 13 plan.

Can you file for bankruptcy if you have student loans?

Some debts, such as credit card debts, are automatically discharged in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. However, student loan debt is not automatically discharged. You must prove to the court that being forced to pay your student loans would cause you “undue hardship”.

How much debt is student loan debt?

In the United States, student loan debt has tripled over the last decade and now exceeds $1.5 trillion. This is more than both auto debt and credit card debt. According to data, more than 1 million student loan borrowers go into default each year.

What can a lawyer do for you?

A lawyer can help you resolve delinquencies or defaults or apply for loan discharge. They can protect you from unfair or abusive conduct by debt collectors and other agencies. They can handle credit disputes. A lawyer can represent you in court if needed.

What happens if you are a victim of identity theft?

If you are a victim of identity theft, it is possible the records are not correct and you never agreed to pay the debt. The debt is not actually yours. You have fulfilled the debt or you have a balance on your loan, but you are being sued for more than what you owe. The lender’s records are not up-to-date.

Can a student loan be forbearanced?

The lender waited too long to sue you. This only applies to private student loans. Federal student loans have no statute of limitations.

Can a student loan be cancelled if you file for bankruptcy?

You filed for bankruptcy and the student loan was discharged. Your school was closed and you were unable to complete your educational program, therefore the loan should be canceled. This generally applies to federal student loans only.

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Fraud, Waste & Abuse Hotline

  • The Office of the Inspector General (OIG)investigates fraud, waste, or abuse involving: 1. federal student aid funds 2. lending institutions and collection agencies 3. Department of Education funds or programs (and funding recipients) 4. contractors or employees Anyone having such knowledge should contact us. Complaints may be submitted anonymously via the online complaint form, fa…
See more on www2.ed.gov

Publications

  • The Education Publications Center (ED Pubs) is the Department's one-stop center for access to ED information products, including publications, videos, brochures, posters, and other mailings. Use the ED Pubs On-Line Ordering System (https://www.edpubs.gov/) or call ED Pubs at the toll-free number 1-877-4-ED-PUBS (877-433-7827). Spanish speakers are available (se habla españo…
See more on www2.ed.gov

Research & Statistics

  • The National Library of Education in the Institute of Education Sciences maintains a telephone line staffed by trained information specialists. Members of the public, including educators and researchers, typically call this number for information about education statistics and education research information. The number is 202-205-5015. Federal Relay Service. The National Library …
See more on www2.ed.gov

Civil Rights Hotline

  • Call the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at 1-800-421-3481 to report any educational discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, etc., request information on civil rights compliance programs, procedures for filing discrimination complaints, or access to civil rights regulatory and policy documents. The local number in Washington, D.C. is 202-453-6100. Federal Relay Service. Email…
See more on www2.ed.gov

Telecommunication Relay Services

  • If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
See more on www2.ed.gov

Notice of Language Assistance

  • The Department offers language assistance in more than 170 languages. 1. English 2. español 3. 中文: 繁體版 4. Việt-ngữ 5. 한국어 6. Tagalog 7. Русский
See more on www2.ed.gov