DW has a student loan with Direct Loans and due to the hurricanes in FL last year and the expenses that came along with it, and to make a long story short she fell behind approx 6 months on her loan. For the past seven months she has paid on time and been making double payments to stay ahead.

My question is has anyone been able to work with Direct Loans to forgive the lates on their credit report?
Do they offer a rehab program or will a goodwill letter do any good? Thanks for your imput.

http://ifap.ed.gov/eannouncements/FDLBorrowers.html

SLB 1. I have an outstanding student loan and, due to Hurricane Katrina, I am unable to make my monthly payment. Is there any relief available?

A. Federal student loan borrowers participating in the Federal Family Education Loan, Direct Loan and Perkins Loan Programs who live in an area that has been designated by FEMA for disaster assistance for individuals due to Hurricane Katrina will automatically receive a loan-payment forbearance from August 29, 2005 through February 28, 2006. During this period, impacted borrowers are not required to make monthly payments on eligible loans. This is an extension of the 90-day forbearance granted under previous guidance issued by the Department for federal student loan borrowers impacted by a disaster. No action is required by the borrower to receive the loan-payment forbearance. (9/8 updated 11/1)

Since the OP mentioned 13 months worth of time, this hurricane happened in 2004 not 2005, so the info that Lynn posted is useless to this situation.

OP - she should have contacted the lender to work out a forebearance. Rehab is only for those whose loans are in default; your wife does not qualify. I doubt that a goodwill letter will help, but it never hurts to try. I would NOT attempt to dispute these with the CRAs.

Good luck.