Great Lakes/Citi Student Loan...Oh boy, I'm freaking out

[energygate]

I made a payment in February and sent in the deferment, however, I check today and I've been hit with a 90-day late!

 

The problem is, I don't have proof that I sent the deferment in, all that's noted is a phone conversation with a woman who noted that a deferment was emailed and I was to fax it back.

 

What should I do now?

 

Would a phone conversation with one of the reps do anything?

 

Has anyone dealt with Great Lakes/Citi Student Loans?

 

This has plunged my scores from 730 to 661

[energygate]

In Feb, I faxed the necessary deferment on my Student Loans, however, they have now hit me with the 90-day late, saying they never received the deferment.

 

What would be the best course of action?

 

Would it help my case if I payed the lates and re-sent another deferment and then talk with a rep about getting the late removed?

 

Edit: It's noted as 90-days past due, however, the last payment posted on Feb. 24, which is less than 90 days!

Edited May 10, 2007 by energygate

[Cynic]

I made a payment in February and sent in the deferment, however, I check today and I've been hit with a 90-day late!

 

The problem is, I don't have proof that I sent the deferment in, all that's noted is a phone conversation with a woman who noted that a deferment was emailed and I was to fax it back.

 

Proof it was sent wouldn't cut the cheese to start with. Deferments can and do get denied. Until you have confirmation a deferment is granted, your payments are due each month as usual.

 

What should I do now?

 

Resubmit the deferment and keep the account current until you get confirmation it's approved.

 

Would a phone conversation with one of the reps do anything?

 

It is highly unlikely to remove valid reporting. Might help to know if your app was received, if denied, why, and where they're sending notices.

 

Has anyone dealt with Great Lakes/Citi Student Loans?

 

Yes.

 

This has plunged my scores from 730 to 661

 

A few things to keep in mind: One 90-day late is not the end of the world and will not last forever. The more proactive and responsible you are, going forward, the less it will hurt you in the long run.

 

They don't deny deferments for no reason, they get paid by the federal government while your loan is in deferment, and they have to prove you qualified for any deferment they gave you.

 

Edited to add: If you're 120 days late the day you pay 1 monthy installment, you're still 90 days late the next day.

Edited May 10, 2007 by Cynic

[energygate]

I made a payment in February and sent in the deferment, however, I check today and I've been hit with a 90-day late!

 

The problem is, I don't have proof that I sent the deferment in, all that's noted is a phone conversation with a woman who noted that a deferment was emailed and I was to fax it back.

 

Proof it was sent wouldn't cut the cheese to start with. Deferments can and do get denied. Until you have confirmation a deferment is granted, your payments are due each month as usual.

 

What should I do now?

 

Resubmit the deferment and keep the account current until you get confirmation it's approved.

 

Would a phone conversation with one of the reps do anything?

 

It is highly unlikely to remove valid reporting. Might help to know if your app was received, if denied, why, and where they're sending notices.

 

Has anyone dealt with Great Lakes/Citi Student Loans?

 

Yes.

 

This has plunged my scores from 730 to 661

 

A few things to keep in mind: One 90-day late is not the end of the world and will not last forever. The more proactive and responsible you are, going forward, the less it will hurt you in the long run.

 

They don't deny deferments for no reason, they get paid by the federal government while your loan is in deferment, and they have to prove you qualified for any deferment they gave you.

 

Edited to add: If you're 120 days late the day you pay 1 monthy installment, you're still 90 days late the next day.

 

I understand this now. I just want this late removed. It actually has tanked my scores to to the 590 range, this from 700+

[LynnInMN]

You wont have any chance of getting them removed. Without a valid deferment granted, they are valid lates.

 

I read in the other post that GL did not have your correct phone number. It is your responsiblity to make sure that the lender has your current contact information.

[energygate]

You wont have any chance of getting them removed. Without a valid deferment granted, they are valid lates.

 

I read in the other post that GL did not have your correct phone number. It is your responsiblity to make sure that the lender has your current contact information.

 

Lynn, I understand there was a lot I could have done to prevent this, however, the fact is I qualified for the deferment. It should have been processed and I should not be in this mess.

 

Having my credit scores go from 711 to 590 is rather devastating. This 90-day late now puts my BofA and AMX $30K limit cards in jepordy.

 

My brother was able to get two legit 120 day lates off Sallie Mae, so I do think it's possible

[Cynic]

the fact is I qualified for the deferment. It should have been processed and I should not be in this mess.

 

OK, now I am in the mood to completely call you out, so here I go:

 

Since it's a "fact" that you qualified for the deferment, what deferment is it, and what specifically qualified you? What supporting docs are needed to prove you qualify, and what info do you have to provide on the application?

 

Why was it not processed?

 

If someone is trying to collect a debt you don't owe, is it acceptable for them to just tell you it's owed over the phone, or do they need to send you supporting docs? If, 3 months after you DVed, you sued them because they never validated, would you just drop the lawsuit because they said they sent it, even though you never got true and complete validation? Would it matter at all to you if they abruptly changed their address and phone number and didn't notify you, and that's why they failed to respond to several written demands for validation? We both know the answer.

 

QQ