Question from Guy: Can I make a case for disputing my 2x 90
Day past due federal student loans? Both happened after I moved from the address that EdFinancial had on file. The past due happened unexpectedly shortly after the Covid-era student loan payment freeze. I moved in September, and the freeze ended in November, with the 90 day past due happening in February. EdFinancial also was emailing my old high school student email that was disabled long before that since that’s what they had on file when I first opened the loans during Senior year of high school
If you’ve found yourself with two 90-day past due notices on your federal student loans, especially under circumstances where you were not properly notified due to an address change or an outdated email, you might be wondering if there’s a way to dispute these marks on your credit report. The situation you’re describing, particularly with the transition out of the Covid-era student loan payment freeze, is not uncommon. Here’s how you can approach this issue:
Understanding Your Situation
First, it’s important to recognize the context:
– **The Covid-era student loan payment freeze** provided temporary relief but ended, leading to confusion for many borrowers.
– **Moving and not updating your contact information** with your loan servicer can result in missed communications about your loan status.
– **Using an outdated or inaccessible email** for loan communications further complicates receiving timely updates.
Steps to Dispute the Past Due Notices
1. Gather Documentation:
– Proof of your address change.
– Any communication attempts you made to update your contact information.
– Documentation showing when your high school email was deactivated.
2. Contact EdFinancial Directly:
– Explain your situation clearly, emphasizing the communication issues.
– Ask about their process for disputing inaccuracies due to lack of proper notification.
3. Update Your Contact Information:
– Ensure they have your current address and a valid email.
– Ask to be notified via multiple channels (email, phone, mail) for future communications.
4. Submit a Formal Dispute:
– If EdFinancial does not resolve the issue, you can dispute the marks on your credit report directly with the credit bureaus.
– Use the documentation you’ve gathered as evidence to support your dispute.
Preventive Measures for the Future
– **Regularly Update Your Contact Information:** Always update your loan servicer with your current address and email.
– **Opt for Electronic Communications:** If possible, choose to receive notifications electronically to avoid issues with physical mail.
– **Monitor Your Loan Account:** Regularly check your loan account online for any updates or changes in your payment status.
Conclusion
While disputing past due notices on your federal student loans due to a lack of proper notification can be challenging, it’s not impossible. By taking a proactive approach, gathering necessary documentation, and communicating effectively with both your loan servicer and the credit bureaus, you can make a strong case for having these marks removed from your credit report. Remember, maintaining open lines of communication with your loan servicer and regularly monitoring your loan status are key to avoiding similar issues in the future.
