The Department of Education (DOE) announced that Federal Student Aid (FSA) will resume collections on defaulted federal student loans beginning May 5, 2025, to include involuntary wage garnishment later in 2025.
The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) encourages delinquent or defaulted borrowers to contact your student loan servicer(s) as soon as possible to discuss options for bringing your student loan(s) current. Your servicer can also assist you with getting enrolled in a more affordable repayment plan.
If you do not know who your student loan servicer is, you can find out by logging into your FSA account at Log In Federal Student Aid or by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 1-800-433-3243.
For additional information and options for addressing student loan delinquency and default visit Student Loan Delinquency and Default.
Student Loan Forgiveness Scams
DFI encourages borrowers to remain vigilant against scammers offering financial aid or assistance. For additional information on avoiding student loan forgiveness scams visit the FSA website Avoiding Student Aid Scams .
Important Information for All Consumers
- If you received a loan from a lender and someone else is now attempting to collect the loan, the collection activity may be subject to the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). If you are contacted by a third party claiming you owe a debt, you can request a “written validation notice.” That notice must provide the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor you owe, and your rights under the FDCPA. If you have questions regarding federal debt collection laws you can contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP or online at www.ftc.gov.
- If you feel you have been the victim of a scam you can contact the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) or online at www.ftc.gov; or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at 1-855-411-CFPB (2372) or online at www.consumerfinance.gov
- If the scammers already have your bank account information, social security number, or other personal information, you may be a victim of identity theft. You can contact your bank and the three major credit bureaus to take appropriate precautions. The FTC has information for victims of identity theft online at www.ftc.gov.
- If you feel you have been the victim of a scam involving the internet you can contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center online at www.ic3.gov.
- If you feel you have been the victim of a financial scam and are concerned about your personal financial information, you can contact your banking institution and the three major credit bureaus. Procedures for contacting the credit bureaus are available on the FTC’s website at www.ftc.gov.
- If you live in another state, go to this webpage to find the regulator in your home state. http://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/consumer/Pages/AgencyContacts.aspx.
Additional Resources
Please know that the best and most up to date information regarding any of the above topics is available on the FSA website and through your student loan servicer. Below is a list of additional student loan resources that may be of assistance.
Student Loans (wa.gov)
Washington Student Achievement Council (wa.gov)
Student Loans - (consumeradvocates.org)
Student loans - Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
If you have additional questions or need to file a complaint, please contact DFI’s Consumer Services Division at (360) 902-8703.