I, currently, have a principal balance of 143,000 (up from the 139,000 it was last year). I let my loans default and didn't rehab, consolidated with collection costs because I was AWG for >$800/month, etc. I have been making payments under ICR (for the last 2 years) and as my balances have increased, my payments have decreased (~$10-15/year), now at $382. At this rate, I will owe 300,000 by the end of 25 years. What happens if I can never pay enough to cover interest? My husband is, also, paying student loans ICR, but he "only" owes $65,000 and is paying the same amount as I, so his balance is decreasing.

After 25 years the balance is written off. However, you will receive a 1099 for the written off portion at that time and you will have to pay taxes on that amount.

When I spoke to a rep at the Direct whatever consilidation, she told me that if your married, you can have your loans and income looked at as a joint thing so that your not paying way more than you can afford. I used the online calculator and it said we'd pay the same for the balance of just mine, just his or the balance combined. I hope she knew what she was talking about and we really can do it that way. I am not working at the moment and things are so tight. Were you given the option to pay together?

You cannot pay together per se,but they will look at the total family loan load. The online calculator is only a guide....DL is very accomodating in setting payents that are affordable based on your current income. You just have to call in and ask!