How to Make a Payment on My Federal Student Loan in Texas

Federal student loans are government programs, such as Stafford or Perkins loans, that help students pay for the costs associated with college. Though these are federal programs, loans are distributed by private lenders. When you leave school, you have a six- to nine-month grace period before payments are due depending on the type of loan you obtained. Payments are made directly to the lender unless you are considered in default. In Texas, defaulted student loans are turned over to the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation.

Instructions

1

Call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 800-433-3243 or visit the National Student Loan Data System website (see Resources) to obtain information about your student loans if you don't have statements or paperwork. This database maintains a record of all federal student loans. Provide your Social Security number to get the desired information.

2

Call the lender to update your loan records. Confirm name, address and Social Security Number information. Make sure current statement will be sent to you and confirm when your payments are due.

3

Send payments directly to the lender or ask whether an automatic payment option is available.

4

Call the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation at 800-222-6297 if your loan is in default. If your loan is turned over to TGSLC, payments are made directly to it. You can reinstate your loan from default with six months of on-time and full payments, but the loan remains at TGSLC. Credit card payments are accepted for a $6 transaction fee, or you can mail payments or hand-deliver them. Ask the representative how to perform each option.