Click to learn about Fresh Start, a one-time temporary program from the Department of Education that offers special benefits to borrowers with defaulted federal student loans. Stay up to date on debt relief, and learn why Direct Loan Consolidation may benefit you. And remember, you never have to pay for help with your student loans.

Fresh Start

Fresh Start is a one-time temporary program from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) that offers special benefits for borrowers with defaulted federal student loans.

Fresh Start automatically gives you some benefits, such as restoring access to federal student aid (loans and grants), stopped collections, and eligibility for other government loans. You will also be able to access Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans and Student Loan Forgiveness programs. But you need to act to claim the full benefits of Fresh Start and get out of default. Sign up for Fresh Start by going to defaultloanhelp.com, emailing us at rar@ascendiumeducation.org, or calling us at 866-348-0715.