Hi
All of my loans are with AES, I've never consolidated previously and now want to consolidate before July 1 with Direct Loans for their income sensitive option and other issues.

Do I need to consolidate with AES first and then apply to Direct? or can I just send in a consolidation packet to Direct. Do I need to contact AES and let them know? My loans were successfully rehabbed and are now in good standing.

When I consolidated last year with Direct Loans, I was able to send in the information for each individual loan on the application. I recall the application saying that everything had to be in good standing, so if you've successfully rehabbed you SHOULD be ok. I've never been late on my loans, so I can't be 100% sure about that part.

Be patient if you apply with Direct Loans. The consolidation process takes forever. The other lenders also have an impact on that as one of mine took months to send in the payoff amount. It's all based on the application date, so it's no big deal. Mine consolidated at 4.75%, which is pretty good. I like the flexibility of the repayment plans and you can handle the entire account, including deferrments, online. You also get an additional APR discount if you pay electronically.

Apply directly to Direct Loans. Do the app online.

Thanks for the replies;I will apply online.

Applying online is pretty easy and fast. Just MAKE sure all of your account numbers and mailing addresses are correct for your other loans. The process can come to a screatching halt if an address or lender info is wrong and they do very little to let you know about it. It just sits in an online purgatory of sorts. Other than that, it's really easy, fast to fill out and you guarantee your submission date.