If you’re struggling with student loans, you’re not alone. More borrowers are missing payments, and confusion about overdue dates isn’t helping. On top of that, interest on SAVE plan loans is back, affecting millions of Americans.
Nearly six million Americans are at least three months behind on their federal student loan payments, according to research from TransUnion and the Federal Student Aid office, which warns that many delinquent borrowers are in danger of defaulting in the coming months.
For borrowers, the stress isn’t just numbers on paper. It’s tens of thousands of dollars in debt that shape everyday choices about housing, transportation and even long-term goals.
The day you miss a payment, your loan is considered delinquent. After 90 days, it’s reported to the credit bureaus, hurting your credit score. And if the delinquency continues, it can tip into default, bringing even tougher consequences.
Consumer Reports’ Chuck Bell advises doing everything possible to avoid having your loans go into collections.
“Once they get there, you’re in real trouble because debt collectors can take part of your paycheck, your tax refund (and) even your Social Security payments,” Bell said.
If you are facing this tough reality, Consumer Reports says call your loan servicer. Ask about your options and find out which repayment plan matches your current financial situation.
And if you’ve already slipped into default, the Department of Education says there are two main ways out.
One path is loan rehabilitation.
What you’ll need to do depends on your loan type and who holds it, so reach out to your loan holder. For Direct Loans or F-F-E-L Program Loans, you agree to make affordable monthly payments within 10 months. Once you’ve completed that, your loan is no longer in default.
The other option is loan consolidation.
It lets you roll one or more defaulted loans into a single new loan, meaning one monthly payment. But keep in mind, you could end up paying more in interest over time.
Whichever path you choose, Consumer Reports says the key is not to ignore the problem. The sooner you act, the more options you’ll have to get back on track and regain control of your loans.
Consumer Reports also warns about student loan scams. Be cautious of anyone promising fast debt relief. They may charge big fees or even steal your personal information. Always check with your loan servicer before agreeing to anything.