There are over 9925 complaints on file for AES-PHEAA. Dated between 2019-12-11 and 2012-03-07.
2018-10-18
Turners Sta, KY
Trouble with how payments are being handled
Complaint: I'm a Teacher and have been in repayment status since I graduated college in XX/XX/XXXX. I've maintained consistent, full-time, qualifying employment and have never missed a payment on my loans. I've behaved in such a fashion to ensure my eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness ( " PSLF '' ) program.
This year, I became eligible for the program and began to inquire about how many payments the lender has recorded that I've paid. After several calls to customer service, I couldn't get a clear answer. Rather, they initiated a payment review in XX/XX/XXXX. I called today ( XX/XX/XXXX - Spoke to XXXX ID XXXX ) and was informed the payment review still hasn't been completed. I was told that the payment review is indefinite and could take months or even years to complete. I was also informed that while my account was under payment review, I would NOT be eligible for the PSLF program.
I asked for a timeline of when the lender expected the payment review to be completed ; they indicated they did not know. The lender said once a payment review is initiated, it can not be stopped or cancelled and has to run its course. I pleaded with the lender, asking for this process to be escalated, to no avail. I also explained that the lender is holding my account XXXX and keeping it in limbo ; meanwhile, we're paying interest and payments as required by the terms of our loan. We simply can not make an informed decision about how to proceed with our loans ; whether or not we should refinance them to avoid paying excess interest, or stay the course with the PSLF program.
I recently applied for the PSLF program and was denied, showing that I only had made 31 qualifying payments. I then applied to the Temporary Expanded PSLF program and was subsequently denied because I hadn't made 10 years of payments. Despite the lender 's reasons for denial of both programs, I boldly attest that I've been paying on my loans, consistently and without delay, since my graduation from college XX/XX/XXXX. Ten years.
I've done all that I can do up to this point. Our only recourse beyond this complaint is to move forward with civil litigation. Our hope is that this complaint will aid us in obtaining the relief we desire.
Company Response: Closed with explanation
2018-10-18
Seattle, WA
Received bad information about your loan
Complaint: In XX/XX/XXXX, the federal government moved my loan from XXXX to XXXX XXXX. Prior to this I had no trouble getting accurate info from loan servicer when it was XXXX. I sent XXXX an updated document on qualifying employment for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, because that is a best practice each year and I take this very seriously. They sent me an updated summary of qualifying payments with literally dozens of errors on XX/XX/XXXX. By their inexplicable and erroneous accounting, I suddenly will not have my loan forgiven until much much later than I have actually qualified for. This is completely incorrect! I had in fact made many more qualifying payments as of XX/XX/XXXX than they said, and have continued to make them since. I immediately contacted FedLoan by phone ( twice ), which they have recorded I assume, and by email in early XXXX to request that these errors be fixed. I was told there was a long backlog and it could take 6-8 months. It has now been 7 months and 2 weeks. I messaged them on XX/XX/XXXX and got a generic " you'll hear from us soon '' response. I called again today and XXXX customer service said my recalculation request has to be done manually because there was a glitch in how the information got moved to their system last year, and no one has started this recalculation. This impacts my financial future and my career choices. Having this so ineptly handled is outrageous. Please help me.
Company Response: Closed with non-monetary relief
2018-10-18
Euclid, OH
Received bad information about your loan
Company Response: Closed with explanation
2018-10-17
Deposits and withdrawals
Company Response: Closed with explanation
2018-10-17
Clinton, MD
Trouble with how payments are being handled
Company Response: Closed with explanation
2018-10-17
Middletown, DE
Received bad information about your loan
Company Response: Closed with explanation
2018-10-17
Newnan, GA
Problem with customer service
Complaint: My complaint is about the time it is taking to process my IDR, not getting any replies back as promised, given misinformation, and customer service representative acting as a barrier to getting my problems resolved. I submitted my IDR application on XX/XX/2018, and didn't know to check the {$5.00} hardship payment box. On XX/XX/2018, I received an email advising me that my application had been placed on hold, and that no action was needed from me. After waiting a few weeks for this to resolve, which never happened, I called XXXX XXXX for an explanation. At which time I was told that I had not selected the box to pay the {$5.00} interim payment required for the application to be processed. I have spoken to several representatives with different theories on why my application was placed on hold and not processed accordingly. One rep told me to wait for the {$5.00} billing, and once that was paid, it would trigger processing, and in the meantime placed me on a forbearance. Another rep told me that, one forbearance was in place when another one was processed, and that was the reason for the delay. Once one forbearance drops, the application would be processed correctly. I started receiving a notice to pay, and late notices, which prompted me to call again. This time though, the rep starting telling me that I had to pay the amount billed until I insisted he looked at the notes further. He could not give me an answer for why it has taken so long to process my IDR, at which time I requested to speak to a manager. He told me there was not a manager. I then requested for him to write me a letter stating all that I have been through, to which the answer was no. I demanded to speak to a supervisor and was told there was not any managers or supervisors, but he could transfer me to someone else who was just going to tell me the same thing. And, surely enough he did, only this time I've met with the representative, XXXX XXXX who has not come through on promises, appears to be non chalant about the urgency and possible adverse credit reporting, when asked to speak to a manager again, I was told that there was not a manager available. I am highly concerned about whats going on at XXXX. There doesn't seem to be any concern for the borrower 's frustration, and no incentive to go above and beyond to help borrowers with problems. As a matter of fact, the representative I've encountered encouraged me to make a complaint if I didn't like it. Dismayed and frustrated concerned about my credit, I am highly recommending that someone look into the practices of XXXX XXXX. And to add to matters, I just received a text today, stating that my payment is late.
Company Response: Closed with explanation
2018-10-17
Medina, NY
Problem with customer service
Complaint: Once again..another problem with AES. Last month their system said I didn't make a payment and that I did not have a Direct Debit set up. Now this month I get notification that my payment is now two days past due and that NO direct debit is set up. I called AES and got a very snippy representative that said I received a letter. Note that two months ago, I asked that I receive hard copy mail and not electronic ( another FAIL by the lender ) as I note that I do have a letter from them canceling my direct debit. HOWEVER, they blame this on my personal bank. I spoke with my bank about this and they said they did not advise AES that it was not able to process the direct debit.
I want my loans sold IMMEDIATELY to another lender who is responsible.
I am asking CFPB to please take care of this. I am sick of this XXXX.
Company Response: Closed with explanation
2018-10-17
Agua Dulce, TX
Need information about your loan balance or loan terms
Company Response: Closed with explanation
2018-10-17
Beyersville, TX
Need information about your loan balance or loan terms
Complaint: Facts : I currently have a Total Balance of {$120000.00} for all federal loans.
Direct Sub Consolidation Loan - {$67000.00} Direct Unsub Consolidation Ln - {$51000.00} I have incurred significant negative amortization on my federal student loans since enrolling in this program. I would not have incurred such negative amortization if I were in enrolled in other payment plans or programs. I am now forced to deal with this scenario and committed ( due to the negative amortization I have incurred ) to following through with Public Service Loan Forgiveness ( PSLF ). This means that calculating my Qualifying Payments Made is essential and critical. My current Qualifying Payments Made is showing zero [ 0 ] qualifying payment made as of XX/XX/XXXX. If this is not resolved reasonably I will be left with only the option of suing, which is a further burden to myself ( never mind trying to locate an attorney who will take my case ). I strongly believe this is malicious and intentional activity on the part of XXXX XXXX to defraud public servants like myself who have enrolled in this program.
On XX/XX/XXXX I became full-time employed with a state agency of the State of Texas ( that is a qualifying employer for PSLF ).
XX/XX/XXXX my federal consolidated and unconsolidated loans were transferred to XXXX XXXX.
XX/XX/XXXX I contacted XXXX XXXX via their upload file communication, and mail. I sent a letter communicating the total number of Qualifying Payments Made is shown as zero [ 0 ].
I also called in XX/XX/XXXX and XXXX XXXX indicated they had a copy of my Employment Certification Form ( PSLF ). They said that it would take 90 days to calculate my qualifying payments made. As of XX/XX/XXXX this calculation has not been done.
XX/XX/XXXX I uploaded and mailed a letter to XXXX XXXX that had a copy of my Employment Certification Form ( PSLF ) signed and dated by my employer 's human resources representative on XX/XX/XXXX.
On XX/XX/XXXX I notified XXXX XXXX via mail and upload option from my account that my Qualifying Payments Made was still showing zero [ 0 ]. I also let them know if this was not resolved by XX/XX/XXXX I would retain an attorney.
On XXXX I contacted XXXX XXXX at XXXX, and asked what was taking so long. I was informed that my qualifying payments had not yet been calculated and it would require the representative to submit an inquiry that would take 6 to 12 months to resolve as to why this had occurred or to calculate Qualifying Payments Made going back to XX/XX/XXXX. I let them know that was absurd and asked for their legal department and they said they did not have one. I confirmed the PO Box mailing address and said I'd send my notices to that address. It is absurd that I have to deal with this kind egregious and notorious behavior to deter, or otherwise engage in action that would not document my public service properly.
Company Response: Closed with non-monetary relief
2018-10-17
Fairbanks, AK
Need information about your loan balance or loan terms
Company Response: Closed with explanation
2018-10-17
AL
Problem lowering your monthly payments
Complaint: firstly, I never remember taking out a non-federal loan with anyone while in XXXX schoolbut they said it is private so I guess I have to believe them. I have refinanced all of myfederal loans into one payment that I can afford. They started calling me about these and Ihad no idea what I would do. They worked with me at first and gave me low payment that I could afford then the servicer changed from XXXX to AES. The amount doubled and when I asked why they said something about interest and said next month would be lower it wasn't. The next month they called and said it was a temporary plan and this was my new amount. No one in customer service seems to know what they are talking about. I asked if I could refinance this in my federal loan since AES services federal loans and they said " no '' then I explained that I am paying my other loans and have a child and have had to take money from savings to pay the last 2 months. I can not continue to do this- I simply do not have the money and I work 2 jobs. If they can not do something to help me I will have no choice but default. Last year when I did not know I owed them they had a 3rd party collection agency call me multiple times a day wanting to know when I would be making a payment. They really do not understand the concept you can't get blood out of a stone.
Company Response: Closed with non-monetary relief
2018-10-17
Pikeville, NC
Received bad information about your loan
Complaint: I have a student loan that is part of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Plan. I previously had my loan managed by two other servicers. I consolidated my loans into a Direct Loan almost ten years ago. I had to defer payment for a while, but then was in an income based repayment plan for at least the past five years with payments made either on time or within the 15 days of due date for them to count towards PSLF. When XXXX XXXX XXXX took over I heard that they were certifying employment and taking over. I sent in my paperwork. Within approximately 2 months my loan was transferred. My loans continually showed 0 payments as counting towards PSLF. I called and asked why. The rep told me it was because they didn't have the records from the two previous servicers. They told me to call back in a few months. I called back at 6 months and they still didn't have them. I kept checking my loans and saw that it said I had made 4 on one and 5 on the other that counted. I called back upset. The rep said they had received my records ands that all that counted. I asked why. She said I wasn't in the right repayment plan previously. I was in the IBR plan until the repaye plan began and switched over. Those should count. I asked what plan it said I was in. She couldn't tell me. I was very upset at this point. I asked for a letter explaining this to me. She said she would resubmit to have my payments recounted. I called back two days letter because I had been so upset and wanted to confirm all the information. The new rep said that no, my previous servicer info had never been received. That they were going to get it and recount my payments. I have not received any direct communication with them other than my eletronic bills. Who ever " counts '' the payments has never contacted me. I just keep getting told they don't have the information. The information has to exist somewhere of what my loan repayment status was and how much I have paid. It is extremely upsetting that I don't have direct access to my records anymore because they have been transferred to one servicer after another.
Company Response: Closed with non-monetary relief
2018-10-17
Havana, FL
Received bad information about your loan
Complaint: I enrolled in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and have been making payments for approximately 8 years. I just found out I was on the wrong repayment plan so only 3 years of my payments have counted toward the program. I asked for an adjustment and they lowered the number of qualifying payments I had!
Company Response: Closed with explanation
2018-10-17
MT
Received bad information about your loan
Complaint: I own and am responsible for a substantial amount of student loan debt. The burden of my debt is held by XXXX XXXX. I am a full-time XXXX XXXX at a XXXX, XXXX XXXX in XXXX Montana. I am attempting to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Although I have been told countless times via phone conversations and through written correspondence that my loans are now consolidated and held by XXXX ( the last of which I know to be true as I make monthly payments to them ), I have been waiting for more than a year to hear back on which of my payments count towards the necessary 120 that need to make in order to receive forgiveness. I have had multiple attempts to contact XXXX and PSLF representatives and have received nothing other than, " what you are doing is right, your paperwork looks good, we do not need further information from you at this time. '' When I query them as to why I have had to wait so long to see how many qualifying payments I have made thus far, I am told, " It just takes time. '' When I state that some of the first paperwork I received from XXXX after they pulled all my loans over and made themselves my servicer was that it would take up to 3 MONTHS to get notice of what payments qualify for PSLF, they sit in silence on the other end of the line and offer no further guidance. Immediately after becoming my servicer, they put my loans into a forbearance state with no explanation. I received correspondence via mail thanking me for MY choice ( which was never mine ), saying that I had authorized this. They do not have my signature on anything stating this was okay.
I am hindered in my life choices by my student loan debt. I take responsibility for my XXXX, XXXX XXXX childhood. I have worked unbelievably hard to pull myself away from all of that. My present and future life choices were meant to be relieved of the burden of this debt for the dedication I have given to raise myself from poverty and for the determination I have to continue to keep away from it. Now, this program has become a punishment and I am made to pay all over again for the mistakes of my family, of myself. I should not have to settle for average, for " barely scraping by '' when, given an opportunity, I could be extraordinary. I want to fly, I want a life unencumbered by the student loans that suffocate me, I want the American dream. This program was supposed to be the springboard to those next steps. Without it, how can I help Make America Great Again?
Company Response: Closed with explanation
2018-10-17
Manhattan, NY
Received bad information about your loan
Company Response: Closed with non-monetary relief
2018-10-16
Garrett Park, MD
Can't temporarily delay making payments
Complaint: My student loans are serviced through XXXX XXXX. I needed to recalculate my Income Based Repayment amount because I changed jobs, and I now make significantly less than I was making before. I applied online to have my payments recalculated on XX/XX/2018. I needed to mail a copy of my paystub as supporting documentation, which I mailed on XX/XX/2018. I called XXXX XXXX on XX/XX/2018 to inquire about the status of my request, and I spoke with XXXX ( employee id XXXX ). He informed me that my application was considered complete on XX/XX/XXXX because XXXX XXXX received my supporting documentation. However, on XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX issued my bill for XXXX, which is due on XX/XX/XXXX and is for the higher amount based on my previous salary. I asked him why that bill was issued even though my application was complete beforehand, but he responded that it takes 2 to 3 weeks to process the application. I then spoke with XXXX ( employee id XXXX ) and another employee named XXXX ( employee id XXXX ) who confirmed that it takes 7 to 10 business days to process an application to recalculate IBR payments, and bills are issued 20 days before they are due. Therefore, it is IMPOSSIBLE to apply for a recalculation in IBR payments without also entering into at least a one month forbearance, and likely two months will be needed. During this time, interest continues to accrue and is capitalized. In other words, XXXX XXXX is extorting students with accrued interest as a penalty for its delays in processing an application for IBR. This can not be supported by the regulation. If any forbearance is needed for XXXX XXXX to process an application, the forbearance should be interest-free because the delay is due solely to XXXX XXXX XXXX own inability to process applications in a timely manner.
Company Response: Closed with non-monetary relief
2018-10-16
Ankeny, IA
Received bad information about your loan
Complaint: When I graduated from college, I was made aware of a government student loan program called, " Public Service Loan Forgiveness ( PSLF ) Program. '' Essentially, if a college graduate obtains employment in the public/non-profit sector, then the college graduate remaining Federal Student Loan balance is forgiven after 10 years of full-time employment & 10 years ( 120 payments ) that are paid on time & in full. I have never missed a student loan payment and have been employed and currently employed with the XXXX XXXX XXXX for over 10 years since XX/XX/XXXX. I started paying on my student loans in XX/XX/XXXX.
To my surprise, the payments that I made to my Federal Student Loans for the time period of XX/XX/XXXX-thru-XX/XX/XXXX were not counted as " qualifying payments '' of the 120 payment requirements due to being assigned the wrong repayment program. the PSLF Program is not the easiest program to navigate & I felt that for the time period of XX/XX/XXXX-thru-XX/XX/XXXX, I was making my student loan payments in the correct repayment program under PSLF program in good faith.
However, I was recently informed of a Student Loan Forgiveness program called : " Temporary Expanded Public Service Loan Forgiveness ( TEPSLF ), which was created under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018.
I believe I qualify for the Temporary Expanded Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity & it's important that my submitted request is processed as soon as possible. Because TEPSLF has limited funding of {$350.00} million, which means it will be proved to a limited number of applications on a first come, first served basis.
I just received by formal denial of my PSLF Application on XX/XX/XXXX, which I'm happy to receive, because I have to have a formal denial of my PSLF due to non-qualifying payments to qualify for the TEPSLF Program. I have submitted my request for the TEPSLF program per XXXX Instructions to XXXX & have not received a response that I'm being considered for the TEPSLF program since I submitted the TEPSLF request on XX/XX/XXXX. I know there is only a finite amount of funds available under the TEPSLF program, & I just want to be ensure that my name is correctly placed on the TEPSLF list for funds.
Company Response: Closed with explanation
2018-10-16
Rncho Domingz, CA
Information belongs to someone else
Complaint: AES XXXX XXXX XXXX : Posted a Charge off to my credit reports, however it isn't my account, and the contract that they provided upon request doesn't match my social security number. Please remove this ASAP.
Company Response: Closed with explanation
2018-10-16
Dallas, TX
Account status incorrect
Complaint: I've disputed this twice and I believe that whomever is working the dispute is not paying enough attention to the dates and what I am requesting. Yes they have helped me with some and thank them very much because some information has already been fixed. From XXXX through XX/XX/XXXX it shows my loans were current and in good standing. What I don't understand is how does it go to 60 days in XX/XX/XXXX if they are current in XXXX? The same goes for XXXX and XX/XX/XXXX shows current but XX/XX/XXXX shows 60 days late then XXXX shows 120. How is this possible if they are current one month then go 2 months late? Someone please read this accordingly and assist me?
Company Response: Closed with explanation
2018-10-16
NH
Problem with customer service
Complaint: Their response to my issues of poor communication have proven exactly why this company can not be trusted with student loans. They have responded repeatedly with half thought out responses not even addressed to me appropriately that haven't even addressed the issue at hand. They also include lies about their previous responses and handling of situations. This company has been unable to respond to complaints repeatedly over and over and over again and in addition are lying in their responses in formal letters. It is this incompetence and dishonesty that makes this company a poor excuse for a loan servicer. They can not even handle a simple task of taking accountability and addressing simple issues. I need this case to be escalated further and I want the CEO to contact me directly so that the issues at hand can be resolved. Obviously the rest of their staff are unable to take on menial tasks.
Company Response: Closed with explanation
2018-10-15
San Leandro, CA
Received bad information about your loan
Complaint: XXXX XXXX did not handle my automatic payment known as Direct Debts as described. XXXX XXXX also gave me misinformation about the loan payoff.
I signed up for a direct debt to automatically pay on the XXXX of every month, but that it never posted on that day. Instead it would post 2-14 days later. The delay in payment meant more interested would grow within those days.
Additionally when I went to make my final payment and requested for a loan payoff amount, XXXX XXXX gave me the wrong amount. It gave me a calculated pay off at {$990.00}, but as per a costumer service representative, it was {$1.00} under the " actual amount ''. The website has a loan payoff calculator in which you provide a date and they calculate the payoff for that date. Whenever you use it, it is wrong. When I spoke to the customer service representative about this, she said me that this happens frequently and people end up having a balance even though it shows that the account balance is at {$0.00}. This happened to me twice with two different loans. The first time I paid a random amount extra, any extra funds over the " actual payment of payoff '' was not refunded to me, nor was it applied to another loan. The second time I called in and they customer service representative gave me an amount. For some reason she can see if in get system, but the online user accessible system did not have that amount.
Both these practices are misleading and make the student loaner pay more.
Company Response: Closed with explanation
2018-10-15
Bellevue, TX
Account status incorrect
Complaint: I am the co-signer of student loans payable to American Education Services ( AES ) of XXXX, PA for both of my XXXX daughters. They graduated from college from XXXX in XX/XX/XXXX, and, soon afterward, I began helping them make payments or actually making payments on their behalf as they tried to establish themselves in their new careers, housing, family situations, etc.
For a long period of time, I had been sending in payments to AES on one of my daughter 's loans identifying the payments under her account number only. Unbeknownst to me, however, AES apparently accounted for the loans under both an account number for her as the borrower and another, different account number for me as the co-signer. Nevertheless, this situation continued for quite some time with no significant problems noted until AES sold off all of my daughter 's loans to another entity, retaining only one loan of my daughter 's.
AES never communicated this change to my daughter or myself, and I only discovered the change when the other entity ( XXXX ) began communicating with us and sending monthly statements. Receiving monthly statements was new and totally different concept since AES never sent out monthly statements, and I essentially had to keep track of payment amounts and due dates on my own.
Soon after the transition to XXXX, I began receiving late payment notices from AES though, and, when I called them, I was informed by their telephone representative that AES had retained one loan and was told the monthly payment amount and due date. Thereafter, I faithfully made the one monthly payment to AES using my daughter 's account number ; however, I continued to receive past-due letters from AES. After checking into it further ( by calling AES several times ), I found out that I had a separate co-signer account number with AES, different from my daughter 's number, and that my payments over the last 4-5 months had been posted to her account number instead of my co-signer number.
About this time, AES made a negative credit report on my account/Social Security or ID number. The AES telephone representative assured me, though, that this matter could be cleared up if I faxed AES proof via bank statements, canceled checks, etc. showing that the payments had been made by myself and requesting that they re-apply the payments in question from my daughter 's account number to my co-signer number. I did this on 3 different occasions over the course of approximately 2 weeks, with the first fax being done in late XX/XX/XXXX and the third done on XX/XX/XXXX.
AES claimed they never received the first fax in XXXX, and I was trusting enough, at that time, not to keep a copy for my records. The second fax was done on XX/XX/XXXX, which AES later told me was sent to an incorrect fax number of theirs although I faxed it using a number they had provided. The third fax, which I believe they did in fact receive, was on XX/XX/XXXX.
Meanwhile, my wife and I are in the process of applying for and obtaining a new home mortgage, and AES 's incorrect credit report on my ID is causing us significant problems in qualifying for the credit due to my artificially lower credit score. Please help!!
Company Response: Closed with non-monetary relief
2018-10-15
Itasca, IL
Personal information incorrect
Company Response: Closed with explanation
2018-10-15
Chicago, IL
Can't get other flexible options for repaying your loan
Company Response: Closed with explanation