Hey guys, I'm a bit confused about federal subsidized loans. Do we have to pay these back after graduating? If so, how does the repayment process work?
Hello! Yes, federal subsidized loans do need to be repaid after you graduate. The repayment process typically begins six months after you graduate or stop being enrolled at least half-time, known as the grace period. During your time in school and the grace period, the government pays the interest on the loan, so the balance won't grow while you're studying.
When the repayment period begins, you'll be responsible for repaying both the principal amount borrowed and any interest accrued from that point onward. There are several repayment plans available, including the Standard Repayment Plan, Graduated Repayment Plan, Extended Repayment Plan, and Income-Driven Repayment Plans (such as Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, Pay As You Earn, and Revised Pay As You Earn). Each plan has different terms and monthly payment amounts based on factors like your income, family size, and the total amount of your loan.
To start the repayment process, you'll need to contact your loan servicer. Your loan servicer is the company that handles the billing and other services for your loan. They should get in touch with you near the end of your grace period to help you set up a repayment plan. It's important to keep in contact with your loan servicer and notify them of any changes in your personal information to avoid any issues.
If you ever face difficulty making your loan payments, don't hesitate to contact your loan servicer. They can help you explore options like changing your repayment plan, applying for deferment or forbearance, or looking into loan consolidation. Remember, it's essential to make your loan payments on time to maintain good financial health and avoid potential negative consequences like defaulting on the loan and damaging your credit score.
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