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Simplify your federal government student loan application by having all the necessary information with you at the time you fill it out. There are many documents that you need when filling out your federal government student loan application. To make the process simple take time to gather all the forms and information that you will need.
Information Needed
Organization is a very important key when you begin to fill out you federal government student loan application. You will need your social security number, driver's license number, W2 forms and any other financial earnings statements that you many have. You will also need your income tax information from the previous year, most recent bank statements. Gathering all of this information before you fill out your federal government student loan application will assist you in making the process very simple.
Application Tips
Be sure you plan ahead and allow plenty of time to fill out your federal government student loan application; it is possible it may take up to one hour to complete. You may see a preview of the entire application at the FAFSA website. Looking over the federal government student loan application will help you determine what you will need and how long the process may take.
Take baby steps and focus on each line in the application, and fill out everything correctly the first time to avoid having to retrace steps and possibly delay the loan process. The website also has a great option that allows you to save your application and return later when you have more time or needed information. This is a great tool to assist you in filling out you federal government student loan application.
Be sure to also read all questions and instructions completely, some questions go into great detail and need to be read very carefully. Your federal government student loan application is very important and it is just as important to understand each question and answer is true and that you feel comfortable with it.
One of the best tips for you when filling out your federal government student loan application is to get started early. Many schools and colleges have different deadlines imposed on you federal government student loan application. Applying as soon as possible and checking with your schools financial aid office will ensure your application is received on time. To simplify you federal government student loan application you may also read over the FAFSA website or contact you school counselor for assistance or any questions that you may have.
A Consolidation Loan allows you to combine your federal student loans into a single loan with one monthly payment, which can be significantly lower than the payment required under the standard 10-year repayment option. Under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program, banks, secondary markets, credit unions, and other lenders provide the Consolidation Loans. Under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program, the federal government provides the loans.
Most federal education loans are eligible for consolidation, including subsidized and unsubsidized Direct and FFEL Stafford Loans, SLS, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Nursing Loans, and Health Education Assistance Loans. Private education loans are not eligible. PLUS Loan borrowers (parent borrowers) also can consolidate their loans.
To apply for a Direct Loan Consolidation or an FFEL Consolidation the borrower must contact the lender and complete an application. Most lenders provide borrowers with the ability to apply on-line or request an application over the telephone. Once an application is completed and submitted, the lender will request information from the borrower's other lenders or from its own system to determine the amounts outstanding on the borrowers loans. The borrower will then receive notification about the consolidation loan, normal consumer disclosures, the amount owed, and if appropriate, where to make payments.
Always Consider the Cost
You should keep in mind that although consolidation can simplify loan repayment and lower your monthly payment, it also can significantly increase the total cost of repaying your loans. Consolidation offers lower monthly payments by giving borrowers up to 30 years to repay their loans. So, you'll make more payments and pay more in interest. In fact, in some situations consolidation can double your total interest expense. If you don't need monthly payment relief, you should compare the cost of repaying your unconsolidated loans against the cost of repaying a consolidation loan. You also should take into account the impact of losing any borrower benefits offered under non-consolidated repayment plans. Borrower benefits, which may include interest rate discounts, principal rebates, or some loan cancellation benefits can significantly reduce the cost of repaying your loans.