I am having trouble paying back my student loans.  What are my options?

If you are having trouble making your education loan payments, immediately contact the organization that services your loan. You might qualify for a deferment, forbearance, or other form of payment relief. It's important to take action before you are charged late fees. For Federal Perkins Loans, contact your loan servicer or the school that made you the loan. For Federal Family Education Loans, contact the lender or agency that holds your loan. For Direct Loans, contact the Direct Loan Servicing Center online or by calling 1-800-848-0979 or 1-315-738-6634. TTY users should call 1-800-848-0983.  For more information on different options, please see Student Aid on the Web. If you are unsure of what type of loan(s) you have outstanding, you can check your loan history with the National Student Loan Data System.