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I feel your pain! MOHELA's phone system is absolutely terrible. Here's what finally worked for me: try calling the forbearance/deferment line instead of the main customer service number. The wait times are usually shorter and they can often help with payment issues too. The number is on their website under "Contact Us" - look for the specific forbearance option. Also, if you're trying to stop payments temporarily, you might want to look into economic hardship deferment or forbearance options which you can sometimes apply for online. Good luck!
This is such a helpful tip! I never thought to try a different department line. Sometimes the specialized lines have way less volume than the main customer service number. Thanks for sharing the forbearance line suggestion - definitely going to try this next time I need to reach them!
@Anthony Young This is brilliant advice! I had no idea there were different department lines. I ve'been banging my head against the wall trying to get through the main line. Definitely going to try the forbearance line - even if they can t'help directly, maybe they can transfer me internally without losing the call. You might have just saved my sanity! 🙏
I've been dealing with MOHELA for over a year now and here's what I've learned: their phone system is intentionally broken to discourage calls. What worked for me was writing a formal letter and sending it certified mail to their headquarters. Include your account number, explain exactly what you need (payment stop), and request written confirmation. They have to respond to certified mail within a reasonable timeframe, and you have proof they received it. Also keep trying the online account portal - sometimes options that aren't visible on mobile show up on desktop. Don't give up! Document every attempt you make to contact them in case you need it later.
Has anyone heard about the new forgiveness programs? I heard Biden was working on something but idk the details
Just wanted to add - if you're calling MOHELA specifically, they tend to be pretty responsive during mid-morning hours (around 10-11 AM). Also, don't be afraid to ask them to repeat or clarify anything you don't understand. I made the mistake once of just saying "yes" when I didn't fully get what they were explaining, and it caused issues later. Take your time and make sure you understand everything before agreeing to any changes to your payment plan!
lol welcome to the wonderful world of student loans where nothing makes sense and the rules change every 5 minutes 🤡
Another thing that might help - when you call MOHELA, ask specifically for a "loan detail report" or "disbursement history." This should show the original loan amounts and what they were disbursed for (including nursing program costs). I had to get this same info for a similar situation and that's the exact language they understood. Also, don't let them tell you they can't provide it - they absolutely can, you just might need to ask for a supervisor. The whole auto-payment cancellation thing is super frustrating, but if you explain it was for a legitimate deferment enrollment, they should be able to work with you on the delinquency. Document every call with date, time, and rep name!
Unpopular opinion: maybe just be patient? The system is overwhelmed rn with all the changes. Yelling at customer service reps won't make it go faster.
I totally get the frustration of being stuck at a job you want to leave! Have you considered reaching out to your HR department about your situation? Sometimes they can work with you on timing, especially if you explain that you're waiting on federal loan processing. Also, the Student Aid Ombudsman might be able to help expedite things if MOHELA keeps dragging their feet. Worth a shot if the standard channels aren't working fast enough!
That's a really good point about talking to HR! I hadn't thought about that angle. Most employers understand federal loan situations, especially when it's something like PSLF. The Student Aid Ombudsman suggestion is solid too - they have more pull than regular customer service. Thanks for the practical advice!
Yara Abboud
Have you checked if your old FedLoan account is still accessible? Sometimes you can still log in and view old statements even after the transfer. Might be worth a shot!
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Fatima Al-Farsi
•I hadn't thought of that! I'll give it a try. Thanks for the suggestion!
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PixelPioneer
Friendly reminder to everyone dealing with MOHELA: DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Every call, every letter, every email. It's saved my butt more than once when they've messed up my account. Stay vigilant out there, folks! 💪
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Keisha Williams
•This right here is the real LPT. I learned this the hard way after they 'lost' my IDR application twice 🙃
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Paolo Rizzo
•Yep, I keep a spreadsheet with dates, times, and names of everyone I talk to. It's tedious but necessary with these clowns
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