For many of us, it’s been more than three years since things have been “normal.” So much that was once routine, we stopped doing — including repaying our student loans. That’s changed as of October 2023, when federally held student loans resumed repayment. FAME has resources to help you navigate the process — just remember these three steps: Update, Plan, and Ask for Help.
Update
- Visit StudentAid.gov for repayment resources and stay updated on announcements and changes.
- Use your FSA ID to log in and explore repayment options, locate your servicer, reauthorize, or set up auto debit for monthly payments.
- Create or update your online account with your servicer and provide your current contact information.
- Pay attention and respond to any emails or letters from your loan servicer.
Pro Tip: Be in the know! Sign up for Federal Student Loan Borrowers Updates for the most up to date information on repayment options and loan forgiveness programs.
Plan
- Now is the time to review your loan amount, payment due date, monthly payment amount, and current repayment plan.
- Consider your repayment strategy and determine which repayment plan is best for your financial situation.
- Update your personal budget to make a plan for repayment, and be sure you are financially ready to begin repaying your student loans.
Pro Tip: Need help with your finances, or a budgeting tool to help you plan for the restart of student loan repayment? Check out FAME’s free online financial wellness tool:
Ask for Help
- If you can’t afford your student loan payment or can’t make your payment on time – don’t ignore it!
- Contact your loan servicer to explore alternative repayment options and loan forgiveness programs, such as Income Driven Repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
- Document any communications with your loan servicer. Be patient and diligent – millions of borrowers will be entering repayment at the same time.
Pro Tip: Watch out for student loan scams – you shouldn’t pay anyone for help with your payment. Be sure to keep all documentation, and remain diligent. You’ll find more information at:
National student loan expert, Betsy Mayotte, shares critical information and helpful tips to assist you with the One-Time Income Driven Repayment (IDR) Account Adjustment being conducted by the Department of Education.
Presentation Slides (.pdf format)
National student loan expert, Betsy Mayotte, shares critical information and helpful tips to assist you in successfully navigating repayment. Session includes an overview of the one-time IDR account adjustment being conducted by the Department of Education.
Resources for Borrowers
Questions? Not sure where to begin? Visit FAME’s Repaying Student Loans webpage for helpful tips to help you manage student loan repayment.
FAME partners with ECMC Solutions to provide free student loan counseling and support to Maine borrowers as they navigate federal student loan repayment. Contact ECMC Solutions by phone at 1-877-331-3262, or visit their website to connect through email or web chat with a student loan counselor. An ECMC student loan counselor may also reach out to you directly via phone or email before you enter repayment. The team at ECMC also offers a free webinar series to support borrowers as they navigate repayment.
