How Do I Resolve a Dispute?

Contact your Loan Servicer

The first step to resolving a dispute is to contact your school or Loan Service Representative and explain your dispute.  Generally, issues can be worked out immediately and no further action is needed. It is important that you clearly identify your dispute and have all supporting documentation available so that your Loan Service Representative can assist you.

If you have made a diligent effort with your Loan Service Representative to resolve your dispute, but cannot resolve the problem,  you may file for assistance from the Department of Education's Ombudsman's office. 

Contact The Office of the Ombudsman

The Office of the Ombudsman was established to mediate between borrowers and loan holders.

The Ombudsman will collect information about your dispute, and ask you  to provide documentation. You will be asked to complete a dispute form which clearly states your problem.

After receipt of your completed dispute form and all supporting documentation, the Ombudsman will review the facts by looking at loan regulations, your documentation, your loan servicers documentation, your loan history and any other information necessary to obtain a full understanding of the dispute.

The Ombudsman will contact you and your loan holder, acting as a liason to work out a resolution.

To start a dispute claim with the Office of Ombudsman, you may access their site at: http://www.fsahelp.ed.gov.