Preparing for the Start of Loan Payments
COVID-19 Emergency Relief and Federal Student Aid
Here, you can find information about COVID-19 relief for federal student loans. You can also learn how to prepare for loan payments to begin again.
Just Announced: Student Loan Payment Pause Extended Through May 1, 2022
On Dec. 22, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) extended the student loan payment pause through May 1, 2022.
- a suspension of loan payments
- a 0% interest rate
- stopped collection on defaulted loans
Preparing for Repayment to Resume
Here are four steps to make sure you're prepared for student loan payments to resume:
- Update your contact information in your profile on your loan servicer’s website and in your StudentAid.gov profile.
- Review your auto-debit enrollment or sign up for the first time. To do so, log in to your loan servicer’s website or contact your loan servicer directly.
- Check out Loan Simulator to find a repayment plan that meets your needs and goals or to decide whether to consolidate.
- Consider applying for an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan. An IDR plan can make your payments more affordable, depending on your income and family size.
Payment Amount and Due Date
Wondering what your payment amount and due date will be? Once the payment pause ends, you'll receive your billing statement or other notice at least 21 days before your payment is due. This notice will include your payment amount and due date.
In the meantime, you can get an estimate of your payment amount and due date through your loan servicer. Contact your loan servicer online or by phone.