Can't Make Student Loan Payments? Who to Call Before You Miss a Payment

If you're struggling to make your federal student loan payments, don't wait until you miss one. Contacting the right office early can help you avoid delinquency, default and long-term damage to your credit.

Who to call first: Your loan servicer

Your federal student loan servicer manages billing, repayment plans and customer service. They can explain whether you qualify for:

• A lower monthly payment through an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan.

• Deferment or forbearance to temporarily pause payments.

• A different repayment plan that better fits your budget.

• Loan consolidation or other options.
   

Current federal student loan servicer phone numbers

• Aidvantage: 1-800-722-1300

• Edfinancial: 1-855-337-6884

• MOHELA: 1-888-866-4352

• Nelnet: 1-888-486-4722

• ECSI (Perkins loans): 1-866-313-3797

• CRI: 1-833-355-4311

Not sure who your servicer is? Log in to your StudentAid.gov dashboard to see your loan details.
 

General help: Federal Student Aid Information Center

For general questions about federal student aid, repayment options or servicer issues, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC):

• Phone: 1-800-433-3243 (1-800-4-FED-AID)

• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–10 p.m. ET; Saturday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m. ET
   

If your loans are already in default

If your federal student loans are in default, contact the Default Resolution Group:

• Phone: 1-800-621-3115

• TTY (deaf or hard of hearing): 1-877-825-9923

They can discuss options such as loan rehabilitation, repayment plans or other arrangements to get your loans back on track.
 

If you have a dispute with your servicer

If you've tried to resolve an issue with your servicer and still need help, contact the Federal Student Aid Ombudsman Group:

• Phone: 1-800-433-3243 (same as FSAIC)

• Online: Submit a dispute through your StudentAid.gov account.
   

Bottom line

The most important step is to call your servicer early. Ignoring missed payments can lead to delinquency, default, wage garnishment and damaged credit.

By contacting your servicer or the Federal Student Aid Information Center, you can explore affordable repayment options before the situation worsens.

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