Calling the Direct Loan Servicing Center
When you call 1-800-848-0979, the Direct Loans Servicing Center, you will be prompted to enter your Social Security Number, your 8 digit birth date (ddmmyyyy) and your zip code. This will be followed by a menu where you can obtain interest rate information, verify a deferment or forbearance, verify a receipt of payment or obtain a payoff balance, payment mailing address, information on how to postpone a payment or change a graduation date, change your mailing address or phone number, obtain your payment amount, payment due date and electronic debit information.
There is also the option of staying on the line to speak with a customer service representative. The customer service representative may also ask for your identifying information. If you need to request a deferment or forbearance you may want to speak with a customer service representative. They will ask you a series of questions regarding your employment status and income and will send you the application for the service you qualify for. If you qualify, you can ask for a forbearance while you wait for Direct Loan Servicing to send you payment information or the deferment or forbearance application. In addition, the customer service representative can describe the many different repayment plans and enroll you in that plan.
Visiting the Direct Loan Servicing Website
If you go to the website, www.dl.ed.gov, you will be asked to submit your Federal Student Aid PIN *--the PIN you use when you completed your FAFSA. In addition to the services listed above, at the website you can link to the mandatory Exit Interview Counseling site, make an electronic payment, use their loan repayment calculator to determine the repayment option you may qualify for and best suits your needs, calculate your interest expense, find out which loans you can consolidate and compare repayment plans. In addition, the Direct Loan Servicing Website offers the latest news regarding loans, a detailed FAQ about Direct Student Loans and information on how to contact them electronically or by phone if you have more questions.
If you have forgotten your PIN or need to change it, you can go to www.pin.ed.gov/PINWebApp/pinindex.jsp.
