Student Loan Law: 6.2.1 Federal Student Loan Default
Borrowers are in default on Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loans or Direct Loan Program loans (Direct Loans) if they fail to make required payments for 270 days for loans repayable in monthly installments.4 This nine-month period is a relatively long time and advocates should take advantage of this period to help borrowers seek alternatives to default, such as more affordable repayment plans, cancellation, deferment, and/or forbearance.5