What If My Circumstances Change?

Life happens -- job loss, illness, divorce, or a death in the family can all affect your ability to pay for college or repay student loans. If your situation changes, take these steps right away:

1.  Contact Your College's Financial Aid Office

If you're currently in school, let your financial aid office know about your change in circumstances. They can review your file and determine whether you qualify for additional financial assistance.

• This process is often called a professional judgment or special circumstances review.

2.  Notify Your Loan Servicer If You're in Repayment

If you're already repaying a student loan, it's important to keep your lender or loan servicer updated about:

• Job loss or reduced income
• Illness or disability
• Inability to make payments
• Any changes to your permanent address, phone number, or other contact information

Keeping them informed helps you explore options like deferment, forbearance, or income-driven repayment before you miss payments.