AES-PHEAA

2018-03-30

Brooklyn, NY

Problem with a credit reporting company's investigation into an existing problem

Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports: Credit reporting

Their investigation did not fix an error on your report
Complaint: I was late/not up to date with my student loan payments for a period - 90 days. A deferment/forbearance was granted and applied retroactively covering the time frame i was late on my payments. Section 623 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the responsibilities of furnishers of information to consumer reporting agencies. Specifically, Subsection 623 ( a ) ( 2 ) imposes a '' [ d ] uty to correct and update information. '' This deferment has changed TWO things. First it has brought the account up to date and current on payments. As a result the account is no longer delinquent. Second and most important the lender 's records now show that my account is current on payments for the periods that include previously reported delinquent periods. Now this is key. It is important to note that as of now with theupdatedinformation your account is current with the lender. It is no longer delinquent because the deferment was applied retroactively. As a result the furnisher of information has a duty under Section 623 ( a ) ( 2 ) to provide thisupdatedinformation to thecredit bureauand credit bureauis obligated under Section 607 ( B ) to report thisupdatedinformation on the consumer 's credit report. XXXX agent tried to argue that i was in fact late therefore that information is accurate. However i reminded him of their obligation pursuant to Section 623 ( a ) ( 2 ) a duty to correct and update information. XXXX failure to understand that their current records show that the periods that were initially reported as delinquent are no longer delinquent due to the retroactive deferment.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-03-30

El Toro, CA

Dealing with your lender or servicer

Student loan: Federal student loan servicing

Trouble with how payments are being handled
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-03-30

Akron, OH

Dealing with your lender or servicer

Student loan: Federal student loan servicing

Trouble with how payments are being handled
Complaint: I have a XXXX XXXX XXXX consolidated loan. I am currently on an IDR ( as well as the PSLF. ) My IDR was re-calculated and went up 250 %. My AGI inXX/XX/XXXXs taxes was {$25000.00} My AGI for XX/XX/XXXXs taxes was {$30000.00} My IDR based on 2016 was {$59.00} My IDR based on XX/XX/XXXX is {$140.00} I don't think an increase of 250 % is fair. I did expect the payment to go up, but thought it would be at most an extra {$20.00} to {$40.00} a month. I do not want to go into forbearance, just want a fair payment setup for IDR.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-03-30

OK

Dealing with your lender or servicer

Student loan: Private student loan

Trouble with how payments are being handled
Complaint: I opened a student loan ( with my father as the co-signer ) on XX/XX/XXXX for a Disbursement of + {$3100.00} to attend College. A year later, while still attending school, I needed more money for books so on XX/XX/XXXX the same loaner loaned me a Disbursement of + {$2700.00}. For the last 12 years, I have been paying on this loan never missing a payment. At least 3-5 times my loan has been sold to other companies, without my knowledge and/or approval. In addition once my loan was sold to other lenders, the other lenders hit me with higher interest rates that I never agreed to or had knowledge about. I continued to pay my student loan every month. My records show on these dates below, throughout my loan, interest was capitalized on these days :XX/XX/XXXX I have made monthly payments on this loan every month since XX/XX/XXXX, my student loan bill always has a different amount due. I have went from a $ XXXX/month payment in XX/XX/XXXX to a $ XXXX/month payment this year in XX/XX/XXXX. I have kept records of all my payments made. According to my lender my current balance due to pay off this account *today* is {$5900.00}, although I have paid for the loan 12 years never missing a payment, and 12 years ago only borrowed a total of {$5800.00}. With that balance left I would be again paying them for a third time entirely for what I borrowed! My records indicate that due to the longevity that I have paid on this loan, I have now paid off this student loan entirely twice with interest! I feel the agreement set forth by the original lender was never met, due to my loan being transferred/sold, due to interest rates being changed without my knowledge. I feel the terms set forth on this loan are & have been unfair. In addition, because my father co-signed for me while I was a young student & I make all the payments myself for the last 12 years, I would like my cosigner to be released from any financial responsibility & obligation on this loan. When I tried to resolve these inconstancies with the lender yesterday to close my account, I immediately got some link sent to my email for an interest rate reduction. I was also told I can forward a letter to the sender with a request to settle amount. However, I do not desire an interest reduction ( after 12 years this is the first time they offered ) nor do I feel a settlement amount is fair for I've paid them twice & they are billing me now a third time. This lender currently shows my balance after 12 years of payments very close to what I originally borrowed. I feel I have paid this lender in full already as my amount totals in payments to twice that of what I borrowed. I feel that the lender/s are being unfair on this private student loan & would like some professional assistance in reviewing. Thank you very much. I have copies of all my payments & statements I am attaching to this complaint as well.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-03-30

Lake Balboa, CA

Dealing with your lender or servicer

Student loan: Federal student loan servicing

Don't agree with the fees charged
Complaint: Please refer to case number XXXX, which is now closed. I am submitting a second complaint because the response from the lender has increased my concerns over the propriety of the process. For ease of review, I will first include my initial complaint, then the lender 's response and finally my additional comments. Initial complaint : " Loan default was entered on my account on XX/XX/XXXX. Due to said default, I incurred significant and burdensome penalties of approximately {$15000.00}, not including interest, which I continue to pay off to this day. The default was entered in error as I timely requested an emergency medical forbearance prior to the date that the default occurred. On or about XX/XX/XXXX, I was admitted to XXXX XXXX in XXXX XXXX, California. I was struggling with XXXX and XXXX dependency and due to my troubles, I was unemployable and unable to pay my student loans. At the time that I was admitted to the hospital, I was aware that my student loan account was near default. Therefore, after admittance to the hospital, I contacted AES to notify them of the situation. I was instructed to fill out a medical hardship signed by my doctor and send the form to them via fax. I did as instructed and sent the form to them prior to XX/XX/XXXX. Approximately 30 days after being admitted to the hospital, I was discharged and returned home. However, when I returned home, I was notified of the default. I immediately contacted AES and was told that my request was received too late EVEN THOUGH I SENT THE REQUEST IN A TIMELY FASHION AS INSTRUCTED BY AES. The default and rehabilitation process was explained to me and although I disagreed with the result, I immediately undertook measures to start the rehabilitation process. At the time, I did not have the strength to fight the default. It was more important to me to get healthy and resume my life. I did just that I have been clean and sober for nearly 13 years and have been employed throughout that time period. I have made every single payment to AES. However, due to the increased financial burden and payment schedule, my debt to AES has barely decreased and every month it is a struggle to meet all of my financial obligations. '' Lender 's Response : " The Office of Consumer Advocacy at the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency ( PHEAA ) received recent correspondence through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) portal regarding your rehabilitated student loan account, administered by American Education Services ( AES ). The OCA performed a thorough review of your Consolidation Loan, which was issued under the Federal Family Education Loan Program ( FFELP ). Specifically, we reviewed the financial activity, the communication history, and any available options. In the inquiry, you indicated that the principal balance on your Federal Consolidation Loan increased significantly following its default to the guarantor, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency ( PHEAA ), and the subsequent rehabilitation process. You requested for the default status to be reversed and for all payments to be reapplied to the loan. Your Federal Consolidation Loan disbursed on XX/XX/XXXX was initially serviced by AES. The original principal balance of the loan was {$56000.00}. Because sufficient payments were not received, the loan became significantly past due. As mentioned in your inquiry, you attempted to defer repayment on the loan due to your participation in a rehabilitation program. While the initial deferment application was received on XX/XX/XXXX, a default claim was already in the process of being filed with the guarantor, and the loan defaulted to PHEAA effective XX/XX/XXXX. The default balance was {$67000.00}. PHEAAs payment records confirm that you made timely payments from XX/XX/XXXX through XX/XX/XXXX. By doing so, you qualified for the loan rehabilitation process to have the loan removed from default status. A copy of the document that you signed for the rehabilitation process is attached. Some personal information has been removed for privacy reasons. At that time, you agreed to repay the total amount due on the loan, inclusive of the accrued outstanding interest, collection costs, and other charges assessed. At the conclusion of the rehabilitation process, the loan returned to AES for servicing effective XX/XX/XXXX. The principal balance of the loan at that time was {$75000.00}. Since that time, you have been making regular payments on the loan and reduced the principal balance to {$68000.00}. AES is unable to reverse the sequence of events that occurred on the account. You remain responsible for satisfying the loan debt, inclusive of accrued interest, principal balance, and applicable late fees. However, if you are experiencing financial difficulties with repaying the loan debt, repayment options and alternatives, including an Income-Based Repayment ( IBR ) plan, are available. Additional information may be obtained by visiting the website at aesSuccess.org or by calling AES. No additional action is planned by the Office of Consumer Advocacy at this time. You may obtain more information on the status of the Federal Consolidation Loan by calling AES directly at XXXX. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from XXXX XXXX. to XXXX XXXX., ET. '' My Response : 1. My deferment request was marked received by the lender on XX/XX/XXXX. However, the request was actually received by them on XX/XX/XXXX ( please see attached request with fax confirmation ). The loan did not default until XX/XX/XXXX. I believe the lender intentionally delayed acknowleding receipt of the request until after it was already too late ; 2. According to the lender 's response above, before the loan went into default, the balance was {$56000.00}. The default balance was {$67000.00}. Timely payments were made from XX/XX/XXXX through XX/XX/XXXX. By the time the loan went back to the lender for servicing, the balance somehow jumped to {$75000.00}! Why did the loan jump even higher after I made timely payments?
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-03-30

CA

Dealing with your lender or servicer

Student loan: Federal student loan servicing

Trouble with how payments are being handled
Complaint: Okay clear example how XXXX works.. I am paying off my Student Loan in its entirety.. But I did a test payment first in the amount of {$5600.00} it was scheduled to come out today. XXXX has NOT processed the payment and will wait days. Then charge me additional interest! Not this time.. They were to take the payment today. From this moment forward any and all interest accrued from them not taking the payment with be credited back to me. From this day forward XXXX.. You mess with my account, as I finally pay it off and I am coming after you for monetary compensation each and every day you sit on my payment. I suggest when you say you will take the payment you do. You are not owed a single XXXX more!! I can't stand you!!! I will say this now that once the account is paid in full.. You are never to contact me again!!! Ever!!!! If you pull any shady stuff in the future I will have you in court so fast your head will be spinning!!!!! I will be down your throat until this loan is paid in full to ensure everything is handled properly and today is just another example of your XXXX business practices ...
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-03-30

Pinellas Park, FL

Incorrect information on your report

Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports: Credit reporting

Account information incorrect
Complaint: Hello, XXXX XXXX reported to XXXX, XXXX, and Equifax that I was 90 days late in my payments in XX/XX/XXXX and 120 days late in XX/XX/XXXX. As evidenced by attached documentation, I was utilizing a general forbearance and my payments were XXXX dollars for the period of XX/XX/XXXX - XX/XX/XXXX. Since there was no payment due for this time period, XXXX XXXX falsely reported late payments.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-03-30

Saint Clair, MO

Dealing with your lender or servicer

Student loan: Federal student loan servicing

Received bad information about your loan
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-03-30

Austin, TX

False statements or representation

Debt collection: Federal student loan debt

Attempted to collect wrong amount
Complaint: I've been repaying by debt through the XXXX XXXX company. On XX/XX/XXXX I requested a record of all the payments I had made on Federal Student Loans. I asked to get a record of what payments I had made, and which ones qualified toward repayment. I was told that it would take 3 months to get a detailed summary of my loans, what qualifying re-payments had been made, and a record of which of those payments counted towards PSLF. I never received this report. In previous years ( before XX/XX/XXXX ) there had been a tool on the website showing that I had 4 or so years towards my repayment, but such information has disappeared from the website. I have been repaying loans since about XXXX, but when I consolidated my loads through PSLF, either all records of those payments were lost ( I have records ) or else they were not counted towards PSLF repayment. The years fromXX/XX/XXXXXX/XX/XXXX - XX/XX/XXXX, though I had been XXXX and paying loans, which I made sure to check were qualifying, were lost. Another complaint is that when I am asked to re-certify with an employer, I do so, and I also request that XXXX ensures that I am currently enrolled in the correct repayment plan. I have no way of verifying this or making sure that the payments I am making qualify. When I am asked to submit documents I do so, but almost every single time I am sent a form letter about how some of what I submitted was incorrect, and I am forced to make a call ( hold and transfer time 10-30 minutes ) to XXXX to find out exactly what it was. Case and point, I was given a form that told me to submit records of my income. I submitted all XXXX and XXXX forms ( which in step 5 of the IDR form was what I was instructed to do. Nothing was said about tax return forms ) with my income from XXXX, an in return I was sent a form letter that did not specify what I had incorrectly submitted, but letting me know that my request was rejected. When I called, I was told that I was supposed to have submitted a tax return form, though it was not specified on the form and instructions I was originally given. My specific complaint is that XXXX is withholding information necessary to participate in the PSLF program, and is making it unduly difficult to submit information, ensure you are fulfilling requirements, and receive information about my student loan and repayment. Any other entity dealing with loans and other financial matters would not be permitted to mismanage information in such a way that XXXX has been.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-03-29

Euclid, OH

Dealing with your lender or servicer

Student loan: Federal student loan servicing

Received bad information about your loan
Complaint: The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, which operates under the name XXXX XXXX, allowed simple bureaucratic errors or omissions in the mismanagement of my XXXX grant. This mismanagement resulted in the conversion of my XXXX grant into a loan that must be repaid with accrued interest. This is despite the fact that I was meeting the programs XXXX requirements ( XXXX high need subjects in XXXX XXXX ). The actions of this company have jeopardized the final futures of many XXXX across the country. I contacted XXXX about the error in not sending me my XXXX grant paperwork directly by mail electronically or physically, and their reply was that their database showed differently. After sending the paperwork in, and having multiple back and forth dialogues with different managers, I contacted XXXX and was told that it was too late. I was told I could appeal and I was later contacted by a XXXX representative who told me more of the same. I was told that their systems had shown that they had done all they were supposed to do, and that I was now responsible for the converted loan. I explained to the XXXX representative that I would be contacting the Department of Education ( DOE ) Ombudsmans office regarding the handling of this matter. In an unconcerned fashion, I was told by the representative that I should contact the DOE Ombudsman. The U.S. Department of Education Ombudsmans office offered no relief to my dispute. I spoke to a manager who informed me that I did not have to wait on XXXX to send me any paperwork, and that as long as I informed them, they were responsible for changing the status of my XXXX Grant. Armed with this new information, I resent my paperwork and contacted XXXX who again had reached the same decision that it was too late.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-03-29

Grand Prairie, TX

Written notification about debt

Debt collection: Other debt

Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company Response: Closed with non-monetary relief

Timely Response

2018-03-29

Incorrect information on your report

Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports: Credit reporting

Account status incorrect
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-03-29

Birmingham, AL

Problem with a credit reporting company's investigation into an existing problem

Student loan: Federal student loan servicing

Their investigation did not fix an error on your report
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-03-29

Soddy Daisy, TN

Struggling to repay your loan

Student loan: Federal student loan servicing

Can't get other flexible options for repaying your loan
Complaint: I have been dealing with XXXX XXXX for several months now trying to get any reduced payment plan. They have mostly ignored my main questions and when I have called they were partially helpful but something always happens every single time and I'm back to where I started. It is insane to resend the same form and proof of wages over and over, paid {$260.00} to get an extension just to get denied again after we worked things out yet again, and they wouldn't tell me why til I got angry and demanded as I'm running low on time before they start taking my wages. This is far from acceptable. I have faxed and uploaded my idr form and proof of taxable wages. Why do they keep telling me to do the same thing when it always gets denied? I need any lower payment and I can do it, I've been trying since XXXX. By XXXX I was shaking with terror as my loans defaulted and it's literally the only thing I've tried to prevent. I've borrowed money to get an extension on my defaulted loans but they are just wasting my money by not helping me get it resolved, as usual. I should have known not to believe I could prevent default on my loans by working with them. I work enough to pay something, just be honest and let me know what's really going on. I have sent dozens of emails literally begging for help, for clarity, and when I asked questions, they have avoided the main questions and choose a single easier question to answer, and then say they helped me .... no they havent, or I would have some form of lower payment by now. They have had me send in my proof of wages repeatedly and then said they lost or couldn't find them. So I uploaded them online and got confirmation. Later, I uploaded a copy of a recent check from my work too. The next day I got denied for reasons they are mailing me ... .I don't have time to wait for that and am out of state right now for my grandpa 's funeral. I have been with him last week too before he passed, and had to get a ride back to tn, 8hrs away, for one day so I could resend, again, XXXX XXXX idr form online, signed section 6 page, proof of wages, and copy of my recent check, and it never gets farther than a day or two before I'm rejected, threatening messages about how they're going to charge me much more, garnish my wages, fine me, prevent me from going back and graduating as I have 18hr left, and now am having a nervous breakdown. I am going to blow my brains out if I can not get a reduced payment. I seriously will be homeless next month because of this, as my monthly bill will be much too much. I am XXXX scared. I am not able to get section 8 housing because they only take people for 1 single week in XXXX. The homeless shelter is too far of a walk. I am losing my mind dealing with them and want to take them to court because nothing seems to be correcting their abuse. I've read endless horror stories online from students and teachers dealing with XXXX. I can not do this anymore and I need help desperately before I am stripped of any eligibility for any form of a lower payment. The amount of neglect is unreal, and should not be tolerated by anyone who will have to suffer a defaulted student loan. It is a near XXXX XXXX for me, and I know that, and that has been my main motivation to sign up for a plan I can afford and to start direct deposit payments. I need someone to please press them, help me take them to court, or expose them publicly, anything to get them to actually help. I am running out of options and do not want to be homeless more than anything.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-03-29

Spg Valley Lk, CA

Dealing with your lender or servicer

Student loan: Federal student loan servicing

Trouble with how payments are being handled
Complaint: I have been trying to get clarification about how many qualifying payments I have made toward my 120 payment goal with XXXX XXXX. They last told me I had made -- 3 -- payments that qualify!!! I have made well over -- 30 -- payments and they are not accepting most of them and saying that I was not in a " qualifying loan '' which is HORSERADISH. They simply do not want borrowers to ever repay their loans.
Company Response: Closed with non-monetary relief

Timely Response

2018-03-29

Dayton, OH

Dealing with your lender or servicer

Student loan: Federal student loan servicing

Received bad information about your loan
Complaint: This student loan was submitted and approved on line by an identity thief. I have submitted over 100 copies of the police report and federal identity theft report over the last 8 years. The company refused to provide the on line application IP address and supporting documents to both the local and state police. The company refused to submit the same information to the federal ombudsman during her investigation. The company refused to provide where the money originated and where it ended up. The company has filed to withhold my federal tax returns and any other federal monies owed to me ( over {$20000.00} so far this year ). When I contacted the company 's lawyer, he told me " so what, you owe it because your name is on the online application ''. Since the company refuses to work with the state and local police to find the thief, I can not prosecute. The company has now placed over {$120000.00} in interest and penalties on this illegal transaction.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-03-28

MI

Struggling to repay your loan

Student loan: Private student loan

Problem lowering your monthly payments
Complaint: Thank you for reading this email and hopefully you can assist me in this area. I have student loans from XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, which are serviced by American Education Services disbursed on XX/XX/XXXX, XX/XX/XXXX, and XX/XX/XXXX. These loans total approximately {$25.00} and I have been trying real hard since I retired in XXXX of XXXX to continue to make these monthly payments. Unfortunately I have run into financial difficulty, now on a fixed income and have called A.E.S.to arrange a lower payments. I was informed that I have to write letters to the lenders of these loans, which was completed asking both lenders to lower the monthly payments. I received replies of " unable to grant your request '' from both lenders. I again called A.E.S. again to find additional solutions and they tried to get me a " Modified Graduated Repayment Schedule '', which also was denied. I have run into a brick wall with this situation. I have offered to make lessor monthly payments to continue to pay something on these loans where the extra money will assist me with my mortgage payments. The only option they offered was a 'Hardship ' for one ( 1 ) year, which to me does not help the issue much, and to re-finance the loans for 25 years. I ask for help and guidance in this matter and look forward to addressing my concerns about how we as a Country struggle with defaulted student loans when the lenders of these type of loans fail to help the borrowers when in need. Again I look forward in talking with someone from your office.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-03-28

Peekskill, NY

Struggling to repay your loan

Student loan: Federal student loan servicing

Problem lowering your monthly payments
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-03-28

Manhattan, NY

Dealing with your lender or servicer

Student loan: Federal student loan servicing

Trouble with how payments are being handled
Complaint: I simply need XXXX to adjust how the payments to my account have posted and refund one of my XXXX checks for {$2500.00} back to XXXX. Here is the history of the issue : My loan payments were applied incorrectly, despite my instructions. I have been working at my present job for over 6 months and should have an overpayment towards my loans, instead I have " 0 qualifying payments, which was exactly the situation I have been trying to avoid. I have been working at XXXX XXXX XXXX, in a XXXX XXXX XXXX job since XX/XX/XXXX, and my minimum payment under the PAYE program is {$360.00}. My account should now have an overpayment, but because my payments were incorrectly applied by XXXX, I am in default. My loans are at about {$240000.00} and my only way to repay them is to have them forgiven through Public Service Loan Forgiveness after the 120 months of qualifying payments. I spoke with XXXX, my servicer at the time, on XX/XX/XXXX, to make sure that a payment from the XXXX XXXX Education Award that was greater than my minimum would be applied towards future payments, and not go to interest. I explained that this was what I wanted, because I knew I only needed several months of payments covered by XXXX, as my law school has a loan assistance program that would kick in later. I also stated that the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program employer certification form at page 4 specifically said it was possible, and I wanted to make sure I requested the loan payments correctly. That payment schedule also appears to be required by law, at 34 CFR 685.219 ( 2 ) ( attached ). XXXX confirmed yes, that if I made a payment larger than my minimum, that additional amounts would go towards my future minimum payments. I then made two payments of {$2500.00} each, which were received by XXXX on XX/XX/XXXX and XX/XX/XXXX, because the address that XXXX provided was different than the address that XXXX had on file and I wanted to make sure at least one payment went through so that I was not delinquent. Both payments went through. After I saw that both payments went through, I asked XXXX to refund one via calls and letters. However, they never refunded either payment. They said I needed to provide the bank account information and check number for the {$2500.00} from XXXX. I could not do that, for obvious reasons, though I did try calling XXXX to see if they could write a letter ( they could not ). The more pressing issue is that XXXX also did not apply either of my payments the way that I requested ( and which appears to be required under 34 CFR 685.219 ( 2 ) ), by dividing the payment into multiple monthly minimum payments of {$360.00}. In XX/XX/XXXX, my XX/XX/XXXX application to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program was approved, and my loans were switched over to XXXX. XXXX could not see any payments from XXXX, and told me my loans were in default. However, they told me to wait, because the payments would eventually show if I had made them. Eventually, the XXXX payments showed up, but they had been applied in full towards interest in XX/XX/XXXX. XXXX then needed me to make additional payments to keep my account current. Throughout XXXX, XXXX, and XXXX, I called, wrote, and faxed documents to XXXX and XXXX to try to resolve the issues above. However, XXXX said they can not adjust the XXXX payments because XXXX has to do that. XXXX said they can not adjust the payments because the account is not with them. By XX/XX/XXXX, I was about {$1900.00} in default, even though I had paid {$5000.00} and my monthly minimum payments are {$360.00} under PAYE. My XXXX school program had kicked in, so I made a third payment of {$890.00} on XX/XX/XXXX from my XXXX school 's repayment funds and since I was worried about negative credit reporting, I released a fourth payment of {$1000.00} on XX/XX/XXXX from XXXX. In total, I have paid {$6900.00} towards my loans, even though only {$1800.00} should be due ( 5 months at {$360.00} ). I then released additional payments of {$360.00}, one is Thus, I have overpaid my loans by at least {$5100.00}, but until yesterday, my loans have been consistently marked as delinquent and I am at risk of negative credit reporting and I currently will not have my months of public service work counted towards my 120 qualifying payments under Public Service Loan Forgiveness. In late XX/XX/XXXX, I learned that XXXX has a consumer advocate, so I made a complaint to them. I explained the situation and they responded again that there is nothing they can do. They sent me a letter on XX/XX/XXXX, explaining the same things described above. I made a complaint about them to CFPB, but XXXX XXXX position is still that there is nothing they can do. I need someone to simply update my account to apply the payments as intended. I also need to have the {$2500.00} from XXXX refunded so I don't have to pay taxes on payments that I did not authorize.
Company Response: Closed with non-monetary relief

Timely Response

2018-03-28

WV

Dealing with your lender or servicer

Student loan: Federal student loan servicing

Don't agree with the fees charged
Complaint: I had my TEACH Grants converted into loans for submitting my annual form " sort of '' late ( XX/XX/XXXX ). I say sort of late because it was due in XX/XX/XXXX or XX/XX/XXXX each year, but I always ( every year that I completed it " on time '' ) got a notice that I had to resubmit the form after the end of the school year ( sometime after XX/XX/XXXX 1 ). So, the first 2 years I submitted my form on time, only to get a notice that I needed to redo it after the end of the school year. I called the second year to ask about the due date ( XX/XX/XXXX to verify that I taught for the whole year???? ), and the person I talked to could not explain that the date was due to my graduation date of XX/XX/XXXX ( I figured that out later ). So, the third year I just thought I would wait until the end of the school year to do it the first time ( instead of duplicating my efforts to round up the signatures twice a year instead of once ). I got a couple of notices that the form was going to be late, so I finally went ahead and submitted it. Well, by then it was a few days later than the final date, so my grants got converted into loans along with $ XXXX dollars in accrued interest. I called to ask about it and was told that, " yes, we have your form, but it was 3 days late ... sorry, we can not convert them back into grants. '' Keep in mind I have completed all of the other requirements for my TEACH grants to be forgiven, but I filed a form late ( that I was going to have to file again later anyway because the school year wasn't over yet and I couldn't get an explanation of why it was due in XX/XX/XXXX from XXXX ), causing the grants to turn into loans. I thought " how stupid of me, surely no one else has done this ''. Then, today I was reading a story about the thousands of other people that were ripped off in exactly the same ( or a very similar ) way. So, I now tell as many of my students that will listen to " avoid student loans if at all possible, and read every bit of fine print on grants and scholarships ''. The TEACH grants were part of the reason I became a teacher ( because I could get it partially paid for ). Now, I wish I had never done it ( at least the TEACH grants ). I could see something like a small " late fee '' of some sort, but I ended up with what amounted to a {$2500.00} - {$2600.00} " fine '' ( at 6.8 % interest ) for not filing a form " on time '' only to be told that I would have to file it again anyway! I was also told by customer support at FEDLoanServicing to just " apply for the teacher loan forgiveness program after my 5th year teaching '', which I did ( and will try again ), but my application was declined because I have some older loans ( before the Fall XX/XX/XXXX cutoff, or whatever the arbitrary date is ). So, I'm also being punished financially for becoming a teacher after I had another career ( so, I'm older and went back to school to become a teacher, so now I can't get loan forgiveness for my loans that I specifically took out to be a teacher ). I file a separate complaint on that later. NOTE : This is a copy of what I submitted as the complaint to the U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid Complaint Portal.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-03-28

Lawrenceville, GA

Problem with a credit reporting company's investigation into an existing problem

Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports: Credit reporting

Their investigation did not fix an error on your report
Complaint: I sent in numerous disputes referencing the inaccurate information on my Student Loan accounts, but the credit bureaus refuse to properly investigate this matter. I informed them that Section 63 of FCRA was enacted precisely to prevent inaccurate or outdated information. It was intended to impose a duty on furnishers of information and Credit Bureaus to update information that is being reported. Pursuant to Section 623 ( a ) ( 2 ) a duty to correct and update information. XXXX XXXX XXXX current records show that the periods that were initially reported as delinquent are no longer delinquent due to my accounts being in forbearance starting XX/XX/2016 to XX/XX/2016. The payments are now, as a matter of fact, CURRENT during the previous delinquent periods of XX/XX/2016 thru XX/XX/2016. XXXX XXXX can't say " oh by the way he was late at one point. '' That is contrary to the code which imposes a duty to update information. The fact that at one point information existed that is NO LONGER current runs contrary to Section 623 ( a ) ( 2 ) and its requirement to provide current and updated information. The Credit Bureaus must report what the current record shows. The current records will show that I am up to date on all of my payments, including those dates previously delinquent.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-03-28

Stkn, CA

Dealing with your lender or servicer

Student loan: Private student loan

Don't agree with the fees charged
Complaint: My XXXX grant was unfairly converted into a loan, even though I am still a XXXX XXXX in a low-income XXXX and sent in all of my proper paperwork/certification of XXXX. On XX/XX/XXXX and XX/XX/XXXX an email went to my junk folder with the subject, " A new message is waiting for you to view. '' I received no other communication that requested my verification of XXXX. On XX/XX/XXXX I received an email updating my on the status of my grant that converted into a loan. I sent in my signed verification forms, and on XX/XX/XXXX I received an email stating that my form was received. I sent the form again because my account still showed my grant as a loan, and on XX/XX/XXXX I received an email confirming that my form was received. On XX/XX/XXXX I emailed asking why my grant was in repayment, despite sending in the proper forms. On XX/XX/XXXX I received a response that my XXXX grant converted into a loan after I failed to send my certification to their due date, and it can not be converted back in to a grant. On XX/XX/XXXX I began paying the " XXXX Loan '' even though I am teaching science in a low-income school as per the agreement.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-03-28

MS

Dealing with your lender or servicer

Student loan: Federal student loan servicing

Trouble with how payments are being handled
Complaint: I have been enrolled in the PSLF program since XX/XX/XXXX. I have re-certified my employment annually as required by the program and made on-time payments. In XX/XX/XXXX, I enrolled in a XXXX XXXX program for which I took NO student loans and continued to make qualifying payments on my old loans. After about a year, I found out that although I had continued to receive a monthly bill ( and paid each month ), XXXX XXXX had placed my account in deferment without my permission because they received notice that I was in school. I immediately called, asked for the forms to be sent to me to nullify the deferment. I mailed and faxed these forms and was told that XXXX had not received them. I repeated the process and was told that the unauthorized deferment had been cancelled and ALL of the payments made in XX/XX/XXXX and XX/XX/XXXX would count as qualifying payments. I wrongly assumed this matter was closed. In XX/XX/XXXX, I submitted my employer certification form as I have annually. A typo on the date prevented the form from being submitted. I resubmitted the form and had my employer verbally confirm the information to XXXX over the phone. XXXX denied my application again and said it was incomplete, they needed information over the phone from my employer. I repeated the process and XXXX also contacted our HR department themselves. HR provided the necessary information again and still my re-certification was not approved because XXXX stated they had never spoken to my employer. Process was repeated again and finally in XX/XX/XXXX my employment was re-certified for the period of XX/XX/XXXX-XX/XX/XXXX. In the confirmation email, FedLoan stated they would MAIL me a letter telling me how many qualifying payments I had made. As of XX/XX/XXXX I still had not received that information. On XX/XX/XXXX I called XXXX to ask why I hadn't received information outlining my number of qualifying payments. The agent said " it could still be processing, but I can tell you that you have made 34 qualifying payments. '' Given that I have been participating in PSLF for almost 5 years, I knew this was an incorrect calculation. I asked the agent to go over all of my payments with me. He found that XXXX had never counted my payments from the time I was in a XXXX program in XX/XX/XXXX-XX/XX/XXXX and filled out paperwork stating that I did not authorize XXXX to place my account in deferment and was told that the deferment was cancelled and ALL payments made during that period would be counted. This agent also told me there was a payment in XX/XX/XXXX that didn't count because it was XXXX cents ( not {$12.00}, XXXX cents ) less than it should have been. I really couldn't understand how that even happened and I generally pay a little extra on my TEACH grant ( which was turned into a loan ) each month so that didn't make sense to me. He told me he would submit that payment as well as the ones that were made during the period when XXXX placed a deferment on my account ( not authorized by me and they continued to send bills to me which I paid ) for review to have them applied to my qualifying payments. This customer service agent was very helpful, but he informed me that once this was sent to be reviewed, he couldn't give me any information on how it would be handled. Additionally, he told me this process would take 90 days to 6 months. This is unacceptable to me given the fact that I continue to make payments in good faith to this loan servicer, all the while my payments are not being counted because of clerical errors on their part. I have done my diligence in following up on every incident with XXXX in which I had a concern or needed to submit a document. I have been timely in my annual re-certification, timely with my payments, and I have continued to follow up with XXXX about the PSLF process for several years now to ensure that I am on the right track.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-03-28

Taft, OH

Written notification about debt

Debt collection: Federal student loan debt

Didn't receive notice of right to dispute
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-03-27

Lenzburg, IL

Incorrect information on your report

Student loan: Federal student loan servicing

Account status incorrect
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response