The government may have hit snooze on operations but the student loan machine hums on. ⚙️What song do you think it’s humming? Our guess: Hot For Teacher #gotitbad 🥵
Although you’re still on the hook for your student loan payments, you might be wondering if anyone’s working at the factory. 📲 Fortunately, we’ve got answers!
Here’s Five Fast Facts on student loans and the government shutdown:
- 🥪 Out To Lunch - Got a question about your student loan balance? Wondering what your magic payoff date is? Hoping Uncle Sam can wave a magic wand and make it all disappear? If you’re one of the 40 million Americans with student loan debt, you might be wondering if you can get answers during the shutdown.
- 🎶 Hold Music - The good news? The Department of Education is breathing some signs of life. Try calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center first (1-800-4FED-AID or 1-800-433-3243). Some of the call centers are staffed by contractors, not government employees. In other words, they still have to report for duty.
- 🎓 Public Access - If you did your time in a public service job, you can still submit forms to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Some non-profit and government employees are eligible to wipe the loan slate clean after 120 payments. The PSLF will verify your employment and tell you if your payments qualify.
- ☎️ Served Up - Your student loan servicer is also likely staffed with contractors, so try giving them a call as well. All billing, payment, and application processing is still a go. Don’t know who your servicer is? Check at Studentaid.gov.
- 👥 Buddy System - Looking for more assistance? If your state has an ombudsman, they can help you resolve disputes and more. Your state may also have nonprofits and organizations that can help - do a quick Google search to find them. For example, PHEAA in PA helps with everything from college planning to funding.
🔥Bottom line: The student loan machine isn’t the only thing moving through sludge right now. A government shutdown is a pretty big deal and impacts a heck of a lot. Wondering what else is feeling the effects of this latest pause button? In this article, we unpack the government shutdown baggage.
Up to your ears in student loan debt?
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