How long does it take to consolidate my loans once I submit my application?
The consolidation process generally takes 60-90 days. Using our online Web application can reduce the amount of time it takes to consolidate a borrower's loan.
When can I expect my first bill?
Borrowers will receive bills from the Direct Loan Servicing Center within 60 days of the first disbursement of their Direct Consolidation Loan.
How do I make payments?
Borrowers receive monthly billing statements from the Direct Loan Servicing Center, unless they enroll in the Electronic Debit Account (EDA). Borrowers receive a 0.25 percent discount on their interest rate for as long as they continue to make payments using EDA. Borrowers must keep the Direct Loan Servicing Center informed of changes of address and to their names. Borrowers are responsible for making payments on time regardless of whether they receive billing statements. Borrowers should send payments to:
U.S. Department of Education
Direct Loan Payment Center
P.O. Box 530260
Atlanta, GA 30353-0260
Can I prepay on my loan?
Borrowers may prepay all or part of the unpaid balance on any Direct Loan at any time, without an early repayment penalty. If a borrower makes a payment that exceeds the required monthly payment, the prepayment will be applied first to any charges or collection costs, then to outstanding interest, and last to principal. However, if a borrower's account has no outstanding interest, the prepayment is applied entirely to principal. If the prepayment is twice the borrower's monthly payment, the next payment due date is advanced unless the borrower specifies otherwise. The borrower will be notified of a revised due date.
(Source: loanconsolidation.ed.gov)
