by: Michael Saunders

Under certain circumstances, you may be able to cancel your obligation to repay your federally guaranteed student loans, defer your payments, or enter into a payment schedule that fits with your income. If you're in default, you may be able to get out of default and avoid a lawsuit, wage garnishment, or loss of your tax refund.

The student loan scheme is quite complex, depending on the type of loan you have and when you obtained it. Before taking action on your loan, you must understand what kind of loan it is. Your ability to negotiate with your lender, defer your payments, or possibly cancel your loan may depend on the type of loan you have.

There are three primary kinds of federally guaranteed student loans: campus-based loans, bank loans, and Department of Education-issued loans. Campus-based loans are called Perkins Loans or the older National Direct/Defense Student Loans (NDSLs). Bank loans are called Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) loans and include Stafford Loans (previously called Guaranteed Student Loans (GSLs) or Federal Insured Student Loans (FISLs), PLUS Loans (loans for parents), SLS Loans, and consolidation loans. Loans issued directly by the Department of Education are called Direct Loans and include Stafford, PLUS, and consolidation loans.

Depending on the type of loan you have and when you obtained it, you may be able to cancel all or a portion of your loan under one of the following circumstances:  (continued...)
Methods for Canceling your Students Loans
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