It’s free, it’s easy, it’s a way to get IDR credit for the Covid period, and to show your federal student loans were in good standing for the past 3.5 years during Covid. Don’t let your federal loans remain in default, there is no win in doing so. They don’t negotiate like private student loans do.
To use Fresh Start to get out of default, you must contact your loan holder. If your loans are held by ED, you can contact us using one of the three methods below. If your loans are held by a guaranty agency, you’ll need to call that agency. Find contact information for guaranty agencies.
If you don’t know who holds your loans, call 1-800-621-3115 (TTY 1-877-825-9923).
You must use one of the methods below before Oct. 1, 2024, to enroll in Fresh Start.
Three Ways to Contact Us About Fresh Start
This process can take less than 10 minutes.
Online—Go to myeddebt.ed.gov and log in to your account. This is the easiest option if you know your login.
Phone—Call us at 1-800-621-3115 (If you are deaf or hard of hearing, the TTY number is 1-877-825-9923).
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What to expect on the phone: It will take about 10 minutes. A representative will ask for some information to find your record, then ask why you are calling (your answer: Fresh Start, to get out of default). You will also get an opportunity to indicate interest in an income-driven repayment plan, which likely will qualify you for a lower monthly payment than a standard plan.
Mail—Write to P.O. Box 5609, Greenville, TX 75403. In your letter, include your name, social security number, date of birth, current mailing address, and the following: “I would like to use Fresh Start to bring my loans back into good standing.” Letters must be postmarked before Oct. 1, 2024.