Who to Contact for Help With Student Loan Repayment Plans

• You can get help with student loan repayment plan questions from your loan servicer, the FSA Info Center, or a student loan lawyer for complex cases.

• Have your loan details and financial info ready before you call to get faster, clearer answers.

• If you’re stuck, file a complaint with the Federal Student Aid Ombudsman or get expert help from a lawyer.

Got student loan repayment plan questions? You’re not alone. As of 2025, over 42.6 million Americans owe more than $1.7 trillion in federal student loans, and the system is more confusing than ever.

The SAVE Plan is tangled in legal disputes. income-driven repayment have been in flux, and borrowers are trying to make sense of the one-time account adjustment.

If you’re stuck wondering whether to stay on your current plan, switch to a new one, or just pay off your loans, you need answers. But let’s face it—loan servicers aren’t exactly known for clear or consistent advice.

So, who can you actually talk to for real help with your student loan repayment options? Let’s break it down.

Related: Student Loan Repayment FAQ

• Contact Your Loan Servicer. They’re responsible for handling your account, providing payment details, and explaining basic repayment plans. Watch out for long hold times, and always verify any advice that seems questionable. Related: Who Are Student Loan Servicers?

• Reach Out to the FSA Information Center. They can address general questions about federal loan programs, the One-Time Adjustment, and eligibility rules. Keep in mind that the FSA representatives don’t always have access to all of your account details, so think of them as a resource for broader guidance only.

• Consider TISLA (The Institute of Student Loan Advisors). They provide unbiased, free advice via email. It’s a great option if you’re comfortable waiting a bit for a response and want a solid second opinion on repayment plan strategies or big-picture loan issues.

• Look at Online Communities. Platforms like Reddit and Facebook can be valuable for hearing about other borrowers’ experiences or tips. Be cautious, though—differences in loan type or personal circumstances can dramatically change outcomes, so not every piece of advice will apply to you.

• Contact a Federal or State Ombudsman. Ombudsman services can help mediate disputes with your servicer. If you’ve run into dead ends or contradictory information, an ombudsman may cut through the red tape and help clarify your rights and options.

• Consult a Lawyer. If you’re dealing with complicated issues, a large loan balance, or just want expert-level advice without the wait or confusion, a student loan lawyer can customize a plan to fit your situation. They’ll guide you through repayment, forgiveness programs, and any legal avenues if needed.

Before reaching out to a student loan servicer, the FSA Information Center, or anyone else for help, it’s important to have your information organized. This will save you time, reduce frustration, and help you get clearer answers about your federal student loans or repayment options.

Here’s what you should gather:

• Your Loan Account Number(s): Whether you have Direct Loans, PLUS Loans, or consolidation loans, knowing your loan account number(s) ensures quicker access to your information.

• A Summary of Your Loans: Know the type of student loan you have (e.g., federal or private student loans, Perkins Loans) and whether you’ve consolidated loans in the past. The type of loan can impact your eligibility for repayment plans, deferment, forbearance, and student loan forgiveness programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

• Your Current Repayment Plan: Whether you’re on an income-driven repayment plan like SAVE or IBR, or a standard repayment plan, knowing your enrollment status will help the person assisting you provide tailored advice.

• Details About Your Financial Situation: Be ready to discuss your family size, income, and monthly payments. These factors can affect repayment terms, eligibility for cancellation, or deferment options.

• Any Communications About Your Loans: Gather emails, letters, or notices from your lender or servicer, including those about due dates, loan balances, or recent changes to your payment amount. These documents help clarify any discrepancies.

• Questions You Want Answered: Write down what you want to know, whether it’s about interest rates, consolidation options, or checking studentaid.gov for resources. Clear questions lead to clearer answers.

Related: How Do I Know if My Student Loan is Federal or Private?

• File a Complaint with the Federal Student Aid Ombudsman. When you’ve tried working with your servicer and gotten nowhere, the Ombudsman Group can intervene. This team acts as a neutral party to resolve disputes between borrowers and servicers. You’ll need your loan details and communication records ready.

• Check If Your State Has an Ombudsman. Some states provide localized support for federal student loan borrowers. They can help resolve issues specific to your state’s policies and regulations.

• Work with a Student Loan Lawyer. If your loan situation is especially complicated, or you’re still stuck after contacting the Ombudsman, a student loan lawyer can provide tailored strategies for repayment plans, loan consolidation, and forgiveness programs. They go beyond legal battles, offering expert guidance on the best path forward.

• Explore Additional Financial Aid Resources. Your school’s financial aid office, nonprofit organizations, and the official government website at StudentAid.gov can all be valuable if you need further guidance. These resources often offer detailed information about deferment, forbearance, and other repayment options.

Related: Can I Dispute Student Loans?

To help with you student loan repayment plan questions, we’ve covered how confusing the system can be, from policy changes to inconsistent advice from servicers. Figuring out whether to stick with your current plan, switch to a new one, or explore forgiveness options is tough—but there are resources to help.

Book a call with one of our student loan experts.

We’ll answer your questions, break down your options, and help you create a clear action plan tailored to your situation.

Related Readings:

• Which Repayment Option is Best for Someone Who is Unsure of Their Future Salary?

• Can You Change Your Student Loan Repayment Plan?

• What is an Income-Driven Repayment Plan?

• What is a Standard Repayment Plan?