Here are a few links that I thought you may find important. I will break them down into catagories.

Department of Education: www.ed.gov

Direct Loans: www.dlservicer.ed.gov/

Who has my loans: http://www.nslc.org/students/default.htm

http://www.nslds.ed.gov/

The first, while it is not as complete as the second, does not require a PIN number. NSLDS is part of the Department of Education and will have complete information, including loan balances and interest rates. You will need to have a Department of Ed PIN number to access and it takes about a week by snail mail to obtain. The last time I checked, they only used snail mail.

A good and honest consolidation company: www.onestudentloan.com

Honesty is a character trait that seems to be missing from a lot of the consolidation companies.

Sallie Mae: www.salliemae.com

Sallie Mae is the largest FFELP lender/servicer.

What are the rules and regulations: http://www.edfund.org/schools/schools.cfm?...mmonmanual.html

If you ever suffer from insomnia, try reading the Student Loan Common Manual. I guarantee you a good night's sleep (well almost guarantee anyways).

I will add to these links from time to time

Edited on 10/9/2006 to update the Student Loan Common Manual link.
fla-tan

Here is another very important one The Ombudsman:


http://www.fsahelp.ed.gov/resources/faqs.html

Thank you so much. I really appreciate your assistance. I followed every link and read everything and was able to write a letter right away. I should get results in 48 hours.

That omsbudsman link is great. Thanks!

That link doesn't work for me. I get a 404 Error.

Mommie - try this http://www.fsahelp.ed.gov/about/about.html

Just an FYI -- the DOE has finally discovered e-mail and you can now get your PIN from them via e-mail. I don't remember exactly how long it took, but I think I got mine in no more than a day or so, if it wasn't immediate.

Hope this helps!

I tried clicking this link and got a message that it was not found on this server. Did they change the page?
Thank you
syrayes

It's now just the first part of the previous link. You can find it at http://www.fsahelp.ed.gov/.

Good luck!

I found this "blog" link through one of my bankruptcy blogs.

It has up-to-date information on all things related to SL lenders, policies, legislation et al:

http://www.newamerica.net/programs/educati...r_ed_watch/blog

savemanatees

I did not see this link:

http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSFAP/DCS/default.html

Which very clearly explains what can be done when in Federal Default and facing Administrative Wage Garnishment (for federal and non-federal employees), Tax Offset or Litigation.

Do not forget the lovely Loan Locator Number which you can call and it will inform you who holds your student loans (if you've lost track or forgotten where they are) which is 1-800-621-3115.

Another useful guide:

http://www.fafsaonline.com/fafsa-form/ - Free downloadable guide on how to complete the FAFSA accurately and on time...

Thank u for the links....




Edited to remove link to blog. Now that is funny.

onestudentloan.com seems to be dead...

Any other reputable SL Consolidation Companies?

-Paul

Direct Loans for federal student loans is the only way to go.