US Dept. of Education - Loans Customer Service Issues

The US Department of Education withheld my entire tax refund in [redacted] and most of it in [redacted]. I was very upset about this as I had filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in [redacted] due to the challenges of being a single mother with three children. They garnished my wages throughout [redacted], and in [redacted] they took my full refund over $[redacted]. In [redacted], they took 75% of it. Now, ten years later, despite not working for six years, they continue to take $[redacted] from my spouse's tax return. I have been attempting to contact them without success. When I first reached out, I was directed to ECMC and told to submit a Refund Request to the Tax Offset Program. However, they claim to have no record of my submission. This has been a frustrating and fruitless process, as we urgently need the funds for utility bills and rent. I only lack the correct department and fax number to send the necessary paperwork.

I, Keianna A. Walker, am requesting a hearing or to apply for a hardship regarding a portion of my [redacted] tax return that was offset on February 27, [redacted], amounting to $8,[redacted]. As a single mother of four young children, this has been a significant financial burden. Despite being in compliance with Reliant Capital Solutions about my debt, I was unaware of the offset. I have tried contacting the U.S. Department of Education without success. Reliant Capital Solutions informed me that the address on file, to which a notice was sent, was incorrect and unfamiliar to me. My current address has been the same for the past two years and matches the one on my [redacted] tax return. I would appreciate it if someone could kindly reach out to me regarding this matter. Thank you for your time. Keianna A. Walker

I had a defaulted loan, and they withheld money from my tax refund. I received the remainder of the refund. Concerned about settling the loan completely, I contacted the Department of Education. The automated system referred me to a collection agency handling the loan. The collection agency claims I owe $31.49, which seems odd as there was a significant amount left from my refund. Why didn't they deduct the additional $32? The agency couldn't provide details like the balance on 4/26/19 when they removed $[redacted].64 from my return. They referred me back to the Department of Education in a frustrating cycle. Although tempted to pay the $31.49 to resolve this, I am wary since the agency couldn't clarify key information like a change from $12.07 to $31.49. It appears my account might not have been closed, resulting in additional charges. Even if I pay, I fear the issue may persist. I seek confirmation from a live representative at the Department of Education to ensure this matter is resolved.

I attended a cosmetology institute in [redacted]. Unfortunately, the school closed before I could graduate. Subsequently, Regency Beauty Institute erroneously claimed on my loans that I had attended their school. Upon visiting Regency after my school's closure, I found no trace of my records, former teachers, or classmates. Despite Regency insisting it was our new school, I saw no familiarity. Refusing to restart my education and take on a new loan obligation with them, I learned from friends that it was a ploy to recoup money. Despite challenging the loan multiple times, I recently discovered it's still active, hindering a job opportunity due to financial obligations needing to be settled within a tight timeframe. Reflecting on my experience, I urge aspiring cosmetologists to consider community college for a more affordable and reliable education, based on my positive experience pursuing a degree in Radiology Technician without incurring debt. Opting for this route can lead to a brighter financial future and better job prospects.

I am seeking a copy of my high school diploma from the English American School in Guatemala, which closed in [redacted], to provide it to the Community College in Louisiana. I misplaced the original diploma issued under my maiden name, Aida Cristina Alvarado, and now need to obtain a copy for translation from Spanish to English for financial aid purposes. I now go by Cristina A. Quartararo in New Orleans, Louisiana. Any assistance in how to procure a duplicate diploma would be greatly appreciated. You can contact me via email at [redacted] Thank you.

Hello, I am reaching out for assistance regarding my situation. I have been on total disability for over 5 years and I am currently 63 years old. Upon reviewing my credit report, I noticed that my credit score has dropped significantly due to your reports. I have contacted your company multiple times and provided all necessary documentation signed by my doctor to have my loans forgiven nearly 5 years ago. Despite this, I continue to face challenges every 6 months to a year regarding this matter. I am unable to afford these payments after all the money I have paid over the years, especially when the increase is due to charges and late fees that are not my fault. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Cheryl L. H. [redacted] Bowen Road Lucasville, Ohio [redacted]

I have used my tax returns over the past six years to pay off my student loans, and I believe I have paid at least $3,[redacted] towards my debt. I am hoping to have my loan forgiven or paused so I can pursue further education. I was unaware that having an existing student loan would prevent me from receiving additional financial aid or grants for school. I was under the impression that when you return to school, the loan payments would be put on hold until you finish your studies. I am eager to return to school, but I am currently unable to secure financial aid due to a hold on my account caused by my ongoing student loan payments. Classes are starting on January 6th, [redacted], and I am in urgent need of financial aid to pursue my education. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Hello, my name is Denise Finley, and I am currently a graduate student at Coppin State University in Baltimore, MD, enrolled in the Rehabilitation Counseling program with an expected graduation date in May [redacted]. I am facing an issue regarding my desire to transition into the more specialized area of Mental Health/Addictions Counseling, a program offered at Coppin State. While I initially believed that Rehabilitation Counseling was a prerequisite for other counseling programs and licensure in my areas of interest, I have come to understand that specific training in these fields is necessary. To pursue this specialization, I am unsure if my current financial aid will support the transition, or if I should delay graduation to continue my studies without interruption. I seek guidance on whether financial aid will be available if I re-enroll in the Mental Health/Addictions Counseling program. Any assistance on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

I am currently on total disability, and I recently received a call from someone who claimed that I would be facing garnishment. Being on [redacted]% disability for over 15 years, this situation has caused me a great deal of stress. I fear that this could be a scam. Regrettably, I provided my debit card details as they requested four payments of $[redacted] each to cease the garnishment threat. Managing my expenses is already challenging, and this additional financial burden is overwhelming. I urgently need assistance in addressing this issue.