If you missed a student loan payment, contact your servicer or lender promptly. First confirm whether the loan is federal or private, then ask whether the account is late or further delinquent, exactly how much is due, and what steps will bring it current. If you cannot afford the payment, ask about repayment changes or hardship relief before missing more payments. A single missed federal payment is not the same as default, and private-loan timelines depend on the lender and contract.
What to do today
- Identify the loan. Sign in to StudentAid.gov to review your federal loans and servicers. For a private loan, check the loan agreement, account notices, or ask the lender. Your credit report may also help you identify accounts.
- Contact the servicer or lender. Ask whether the payment is late or the account is further delinquent, the amount needed to bring it current, whether fees or interest apply, and the next due date. Confirm any payment arrangement and its terms in writing.
- If the payment is unaffordable, ask about options now. Federal borrowers can ask about eligible income-driven repayment plans, deferment, or forbearance. Private borrowers should ask what hardship or modified-payment options their lender offers; these vary and are not guaranteed.
- Keep records and check the account again. Save payment confirmations and copies of messages or letters. After making a payment or accepting an arrangement, verify that the account reflects it; do not assume it has been processed until you see confirmation.
How missed-payment timelines differ
Federal student loans
Federal Student Aid says a federal loan becomes past due, or delinquent, the day after a missed payment. Its July 2026 guidance says qualifying delinquencies are reported to the three major national credit bureaus when they reach 90 days or more, and default generally occurs after 270 days of delinquency. These are federal-loan milestones, not a timetable for private loans.
That means one missed payment does not by itself mean a federal loan is in default. Still, delinquency can progress, so check your account status and contact the servicer rather than waiting for a later notice.
Private student loans
There is no single private-loan delinquency or default timetable established for all lenders. The contract and lender policies determine applicable fees, credit reporting, hardship options, and collection steps. Ask the lender directly what applies to your account; do not assume the federal 90- or 270-day milestones apply.
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Federal and private loan choices at a glance
| Question | Federal loans | Private loans |
|---|---|---|
| Who to contact | Your federal loan servicer; StudentAid.gov can help identify loans and servicers. | The lender or its servicer, using your agreement and account notices. |
| If payments are unaffordable | Ask about repayment plans, including income-driven plans if eligible, or temporary deferment or forbearance. | Ask about lender-specific modifications or payment arrangements; there is no universal standard option. |
| When credit reporting or default may occur | Federal Student Aid says qualifying delinquency is reported at 90 or more days and default generally follows 270 days. | Varies by contract and lender; confirm directly. |
| If already in default | Ask the Default Resolution Group or the guaranty agency handling the loan about available resolution paths. | Contact the lender or collector; collection rights and actions can depend on state law and loan terms. |
What federal relief options can and cannot do
Repayment plan changes
Ask your servicer which federal repayment plans you may qualify for, including income-driven repayment. Eligibility and plan availability can change, and the servicer can explain how a change would affect your payment and account.
Deferment or forbearance
These options may temporarily pause or reduce payments when you meet the applicable requirements. They are not necessarily cost-free: interest may accrue, and using them can affect discharge options. Ask how interest and your balance would be handled and whether the relief affects any discharge route relevant to you before agreeing.
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- School cost comparison tools
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If the loan is already in default or collection
Federal loans
Read official notices and find out whether the loan is handled by the Default Resolution Group or a guaranty agency. Federal Student Aid describes rehabilitation and consolidation as possible resolution paths, but their procedures and effects differ. Ask the office handling your loan to compare the options for your account before choosing.
Private loans
Contact the lender or collector to verify the debt and discuss what resolution options are available under your agreement. Private collection rules and lawsuit time limits vary by state; if you are sued or are unsure about your state-specific rights, consider qualified legal help. Do not ignore court papers.
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- Student Planner 2026-2027 - This student planner 2026-2027 runs from July 2026 to June 2027, sized 11" x 9". Ideal as a school planner for middle or high school students, it provides a structured system to organize assignments, schedules, and goals for the full academic year.
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Sources and date-sensitive guidance
- Federal Student Aid: How To Prepare for Student Loan Payments (July 2026), including federal delinquency, credit-reporting, and default milestones.
- Federal Student Aid: Default, on federal default resolution.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: What happens if I default on a private student loan?
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: I am having trouble paying my student loan. What should I do?
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Student loans
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