Section landing · default

You're in default.

That might be a Notice of Intent on your desk, a wage garnishment order, or a balance that's sat for years while the servicer's name changed twice. Most of what you've been told about it is wrong, and most of it is fixable. What matters now is how much time you have.

Something is happening

A notice, a garnishment, or a paycheck that’s short.

You have more options inside the clock than after.

Quiet for years

Here because something finally forced you back.

Quiet is rarely permanent.

Start here02 actions

Two paths, mapped to the two situations above.

Respond to the notice

How to answer a federal collection notice before the deadline

Don't ignore the deadline. The clock started when the notice was issued, not when you opened it.
Request a hearing in writing. State what you're disputing — the debt itself, the amount, or your ability to pay.
Document your hardship. Pay stubs, rent, medical bills, dependents.
If you can't dispute it, consolidate. Consolidation stops most collection action while it processes.

Full breakdown

Get out of default

Rehabilitation, consolidation, settlement, bankruptcy — pick one of four paths

Rehab. Nine on-time payments, default removed from credit report. Slowest path. Cleanest credit outcome.
Consolidation. New loan in 30 to 60 days. No nine-month wait. Credit history doesn't get the rehab cleanup.
Settlement. Possible but rare. Usually 50–70% of the balance. Requires lump sum.
Bankruptcy. Works post-2022 with the new attestation process. Best when you have both federal and private debt.

Full breakdown

You’ve read the path. What’s next depends on what you need.

Two doors. Same weight. Pick the one that matches what you have to do this week.

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