Sign in to StudentAid.gov, open the Dashboard’s My Aid section, and check each federal loan’s individual status. A red warning on the Dashboard and a warning banner in a loan’s details are the clearest initial signs of default. If the loan is assigned to the Department of Education’s Default Resolution Group (DRG), check MyEdDebt as well; some commercially held FFEL loans are handled by a guaranty agency instead.
Check your loan status on StudentAid.gov
- Sign in. Go to StudentAid.gov and open the Dashboard’s My Aid section.
- Review every loan separately. Select each loan’s details and read the status shown. One borrower can have multiple loans with different statuses.
- Look for the default warning. Federal Student Aid says a loan in default should trigger a warning in a red box on the Dashboard and a warning banner in that loan’s details. The status attached to the individual loan is more useful than relying on payment history alone.
Federal Student Aid says Direct and FFEL loans generally enter default after at least 270 days without scheduled payments. Its FAQ also says loans are likely in default if you have not made a full payment in at least a year and are not in deferment or forbearance. These time periods are clues, not a substitute for checking the official status. Read the agency’s default and collections FAQ.
Use MyEdDebt if the loan is assigned to the Default Resolution Group
MyEdDebt is the Department of Education’s portal for borrowers with defaulted loans assigned to DRG. It is separate from StudentAid.gov, so you need to create a separate MyEdDebt account; your StudentAid.gov username and password will not work there.
- Check the Status Message and Loan Summary.
- A Servicer Name of “Default Resolution Group” generally confirms default status for loans assigned to DRG.
- The Loan Summary can also show loan and debt details and payment history.
Not seeing a DRG account does not prove that a loan is current. Some commercially held FFEL loans are handled by guaranty agencies rather than DRG. Check Federal Student Aid’s information about default and identify the loan holder or servicer listed in your official records.
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Identify who handles a commercially held FFEL loan
If StudentAid.gov lists a holder, servicer, or guaranty agency other than DRG, use that organization’s official contact information and review any official notice you received. Follow the instructions from the organization handling the loan, and make sure your mailing address and other contact details are current. Federal Student Aid explains that some commercially held FFEL loans may be assigned to guaranty agencies. See its guidance on default.
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If your loan was rehabilitated, verify the update
After successful rehabilitation, the loan is transferred to a new servicer. Check the MyEdDebt Loan Summary for the new servicer’s name and the transfer information. If you need proof that the loan is no longer in default, ask for a confirmation letter. Federal Student Aid’s rehabilitation FAQ describes what to expect.
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Use the official government sites and the organization named in your account or notice. The Department of Education’s Default Resolution Group does not charge for its services. Federal Student Aid warns borrowers to be wary of companies that demand enrollment, subscription, or maintenance fees to help get federal loans out of default. Do not give your account credentials to an unsolicited company. Read Federal Student Aid’s scam guidance.
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