MOHELA Student Loan Forgiveness

MOHELA Student Loan: What You Need to Know About Your Student Loan Servicer

Managing student loans can be confusing. If you have federal student loans, you may have heard of MOHELA student loan. They are one of the companies that handle student loans for the U.S. Department of Education.

MOHELA helps borrowers with repayment, deferment, student loan forgiveness, and more. Let’s break down what they do, how they can help you, the challenges of working with them, and the other options you have.

What Services Does MOHELA Provide for Student Loans?

MOHELA is a loan servicer, meaning they manage student loans on behalf of the government. Their job is to help borrowers make payments and understand their options. Here’s what they offer:

• Billing and Payments: They send statements and accept payments.
• Repayment Plans: They process requests for repayment options, including Income-Driven plans.
• Deferment and Forbearance: They help borrowers pause payments if they qualify.

In 2022, MOHELA took over processing applications for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Two years later, in May 2024, Federal Student Aid transitioned the PSLF program away from MOHELA after the backlog of pending applications ballooned from 250k to over 1 million. MOHELA no longer services the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, and interested borrowers should speak to Federal Student Aid directly for more information.

MOHELA Student Loan by the Numbers

MOHELA services millions of borrowers and manages a large amount of student debt:

• Borrowers: Over 7.5 million.
• Total Loan Balance Managed: More than $150 billion.

Although these numbers highlight MOHELA’s relevance in the student loan industry, customer satisfaction is consistently dropping.

At the time of writing this article, MOHELA has a B- rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been rated 1.06 out of 5 stars by student loan borrowers. The BBB has also received more than 3,530 complaints about the servicer in the last three years.

Pros and Cons of Working with MOHELA Student Loan

Pros:

• Multiple repayment plans to fit different financial situations.
• Deferment and forbearance options for those who need to pause their payments.
• Online tools for account management, such as document uploading and the listing of loan details.

Cons:

• Long customer service wait times, especially during peak periods. According to Federal Student Aid stats, MOHELA’s hold time and rate of dropped calls is nearly double that of the next highest servicer.
• Document processing delays, causing missed deadlines and incorrect payments.
• No direct refinancing options are available. Loans must be consolidated through Federal Student Aid or a private lender.
• Vague and confusing policies can be overwhelming for borrowers who want simple answers.
• Multiple lawsuits and consumer complaints. Early last year, the Student Borrower Protection Center issued a report detailing its investigation into MOHELA’s failure to manage borrowers’ return to repayment after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Understanding these pros and cons can help borrowers make informed decisions.

How to Contact MOHELA Student Loan

Here’s how you can contact MOHELA:

• Website: mohela.studentaid.gov
• Phone: 1-888-866-4352
• Email: MOHELA does not provide a customer service email, but messaging is available through their online portal.

Do You Have to Stay With MOHELA for your Student Loans?

The Department of Education doesn’t allow students to choose their servicer upon entering repayment. But if you’re having second thoughts, but you may have a few options:

1. Loan consolidation: Consolidating your loans allows you to select which servicer takes over, but borrowers who have already consolidated won’t have this option available.
2. Loan refinancing: You may be able to save money on interest by refinancing with a private lender, but you will lose out on many benefits the DoE offers, such as IDR plans and loan forgiveness.
3. Ask for help: Submitting a complaint to the Student Loan Ombudsman or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau could result in MOHELA finding a faster resolution to your issue. If that doesn’t do the trick, hiring a third party like Docupop can help you manage the complexities of loan repayment without the hassle of dealing exclusively with your servicer.

Another Option: Docupop’s Student Loan Support

While MOHELA is a loan servicer, borrowers also have other options for managing their student debt. Docupop provides expert guidance and coaching to help borrowers explore student loan consolidation. Our team of experienced coaches works with you to analyze your current loans, review consolidation options, and create a plan tailored to your financial situation. Our goal is to simplify the process, find you the best plan, and improve your overall financial health. If you’re unsure about your best path forward, Docupop can help you take control of your student loans with expert support. With no long hold times and white glove service, our team will hold your hand the whole way.

Final Thoughts on Mohela Student Loans

MOHELA student loan plays a key role in helping borrowers manage their student loans, however the complaints are very concerning.

If you want someone to coach you, do the heavy lifting, and walk you through everything so you’re not alone, call Docupop.

Most importantly, if you have loans with MOHELA, stay informed about your options. Explore repayment plans, refinancing, and consolidation to find the best path for you!

Need Expert Student Loan Guidance?

At Docupop, we specialize in helping borrowers navigate the complexities of student loan repayment—so you don’t have to do it alone. Contact us today to get personalized support and ensure you’re on the right path to managing your student debt.

Don’t wait—take control of your student loans now!