Student Loan Repayment 
Before repayment begins , develop a plan that puts you on track to pay back your loan on time and in full. Understanding the details of repayment on your federal student loan can save you time and money. Find out what repayment plan options are available , when you must begin making payments , how to make your payment , how to pay your loan off faster , and what to do if you have trouble making payments. 

I need more information about my loan servicer. 
Find out who services your federal student loan. Try This Resource Federal Student Loans: Repaying Your Loans Provides information about federal student loan repayment plan options, finding loan history and loan servicers, and making payments. 

I need more information about the types of repayment plans available. 
Learn more about Repayment Plans. When You Must Begin Payments The Grace Period Making Payments Having Your Student Loan Forgiven REMEMBER : Your federal student loans can t be canceled or forgiven because you didn t get the education or job you expected or you didn t complete your education unless you couldn t complete your education because your school closed. 

When You Must Begin Payments 
Once you graduate , drop below half - time enrollment , or leave school , your federal student loan goes into repayment. However , if you have a Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, or Federal Family Education Loan , you have a six - month grace period before you are required to start making regular payments. You ll have a nine - month grace period if you ve got a Perkins Loan. (Got a PLUS loan? You ll go into repayment as soon as the loan is fully disbursed which means once it s paid out. But if you re a graduate and professional student PLUS borrower, you will be placed on an automatic deferment while in school and for six months after graduating, leaving school, or dropping below half-time enrollment.) Note: When your loan enters repayment , your servicer will automatically place you 

user: how student loan payments are handled

assistant: Well the US Department of Education uses multiple loan managers to handle billing and other loan services for the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Direct Loan Program and for loans made under the FFEL Program of Federal Family Education Loans and that ED later purchased

assistant: do you want to make a payment?

user: If I want to know more about this topic and make payments

assistant: You will receive a 0.25% interest rate deduction on direct loans. Contact your loan servicer for more information.

user: ok i understand and what things should i avoid?

assistant: One thing you definitely want to avoid is going default! This occurs when you are at least nine months behind on your student loan. The consequences of default include damage to your credit rating and future indebtedness.

user: What if it's not up to me and I can't make payments?

assistant: contact your loan servicer to find out your options.

user: How can I make a payment by post?

assistant: you must contact your loan servicer for the mailing address

user: Can you forgive the student loan?

assistant: Generally, you are required to repay your student loan, but in certain situations, your loan may be forgiven, canceled, or canceled