Successfully appealed Parent PLUS loan denial? Need urgent FAFSA advice

I got denied too becuz of a missed payment on my car. The financial aid office told me to submit a PLUS loan appeal with proof the missed payment was resolved. Took like 2 weeks but it worked! U need to go to studentaid.gov and look for the appeal form

Former financial aid advisor here. PLUS loan denials can definitely be appealed, but you need to understand the specific reason for denial first. There are two routes: 1. Appeal based on extenuating circumstances (medical issues, job loss, etc.) 2. Get an endorser (similar to a co-signer) For medical collections, you'll want option #1. Gather documentation showing the medical circumstances, any proof you've made arrangements to pay or have paid those collections, and write a clear letter explaining the situation. You'll submit this through studentaid.gov under "PLUS Credit Appeal." Note that if approved, you'll also need to complete PLUS credit counseling online before funds disburse.

I've helped dozens of families navigate PLUS loan denials. Here's what works consistently: 1. Get a FREE copy of the actual credit report used for the denial (not just any credit report) 2. Check for errors - they're surprisingly common 3. If the negative items are accurate but due to circumstances beyond your control (medical issues qualify), prepare a detailed appeal 4. Include supporting documentation for EVERYTHING Also remember your daughter automatically qualifies for an additional $4,000 in unsubsidized loans with your PLUS denial. If your appeal isn't approved in time, she can at least get that extra amount to start the semester while you continue working on the PLUS appeal. One more option: private student loans exist, but I'd exhaust federal options first.

If you need to talk to someone at Federal Student Aid about your PLUS loan appeal, I highly recommend using Claimyr. I was trying for DAYS to get through to someone at FSA about my PLUS appeal and kept getting disconnected. Claimyr got me connected in about 25 minutes when I'd been trying for hours on my own. There's a demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ and the website is claimyr.com. Seriously saved me so much frustration when dealing with my appeal!

We got denied too and my daughter was abt to drop out!!! But we asked grandma to be a endorser (thats what they call cosigner) and it worked!!! Do u have any family that could help? The form is pretty simple and they just do a credit check on them. My mom didn't even have to pay anything it was just to back us up with her good credit.

THE ENTIRE FINANCIAL AID SYSTEM IS GARBAGE!!! Sorry but I had to say it. We're punishing families for medical debt??? Really??? I went through this exact nightmare last year and eventually had to take a personal loan from my 401k. The appeals process is designed to wear you down until you give up. Call your congressperson - seriously. Mine actually helped after we got nowhere for a month.

UPDATE: Thank you all for the advice! I submitted an appeal through studentaid.gov with documentation of my payment plans for the medical bills and a letter explaining the situation. I also reached out to my sister about possibly being an endorser if the appeal is denied. I finally got through to someone at FSA (used that Claimyr service someone mentioned - it actually worked!) and they said appeals are taking about 10-15 business days right now. I also spoke with my daughter's financial aid office and they said she can start classes with the additional $4,000 unsubsidized loan while we wait for the PLUS appeal decision. Fingers crossed that the appeal works out!

So glad to hear you're making progress! I went through a similar situation last year with medical collections affecting my PLUS loan application. The appeal process can be nerve-wracking, but it sounds like you've done everything right - having those payment plan documents and a clear explanation letter makes a huge difference. The 10-15 business day timeframe they gave you is pretty standard right now. Just wanted to add that even if the appeal doesn't go through (though I'm optimistic it will!), having your sister as a backup endorser option gives you a solid Plan B. Keep us posted on how it turns out - success stories like this really help other families in similar situations!

Welcome to the community! I just want to echo what others have said about not giving up on the appeal process. I work as a financial aid counselor at a community college, and I've seen so many families successfully overturn PLUS loan denials, especially when medical debt is involved. The key things that seem to make appeals successful are: 1) Clear documentation showing you've addressed the debt (payment plans, settlements, etc.), 2) A well-written letter explaining the circumstances were beyond your control, and 3) following up if you don't hear back within their stated timeframe. Also, don't forget that if your appeal is approved, you'll need to complete the PLUS credit counseling online before the funds can be disbursed - it's just a 20-30 minute session but it's required. Wishing your family the best outcome!

Hey Steven! I'm so glad to see your update and that you're making real progress with this situation. As someone who went through a similar PLUS loan denial appeal process two years ago (also due to medical collections), I wanted to share a few additional tips that might help while you're waiting: 1. Keep copies of everything you submitted - appeals can sometimes get "lost" in the system 2. Mark your calendar for day 12-13 of business days to follow up if you haven't heard anything 3. If your appeal gets approved, they'll email you about the credit counseling requirement, but you can actually complete it proactively at studentaid.gov to save time Also, huge kudos to your daughter's financial aid office for being flexible about letting her start with the additional unsubsidized loan! Not all schools are that accommodating. The fact that you have your sister as a potential endorser backup plan shows you're thinking ahead - that's exactly the right approach. Medical debt appeals actually have pretty good success rates since the Department of Education recognizes these are often unavoidable circumstances. Keeping my fingers crossed for you! Please update us when you hear back - success stories really do help other families in similar situations feel less alone in this process.