Debt-Management Perspectives

New USA Funds Program Offers Student Loan Borrowers Periodic Debt Check
USA Funds^® introduces USA Funds Loan Review^SM, an online loan counseling program that permits college students to check their current student loan debt levels and project their monthly student loan payments. Learn more.

Operations Bulletin

NCHELP Workgroup Releases Interim IBR Application
A National Council of Higher Education Loan Programs workgroup in which USA Funds is involved has released an interim Income-Based Repayment Plan Application. The form is not a final, official U.S. Department of Education-approved form but rather an optional application provided to assist lenders and servicers until that final form is available. Read more.

Federal Register Lists Processing Deadlines
In the June 18 Federal Register, the Department of Education outlines processing deadlines for applications, reports and other records — including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — for the 2008-2009 award year for Title IV student aid.

Policy Frequently Asked Question: Waiving Grace Period for Economic Hardship Deferment
USA Funds’ policy experts provide guidance regarding whether a lender can permit a borrower to waive part of the grace period to qualify for economic hardship deferment under criteria expiring July 1. Read more.

NCHELP Subcommittee Updates Two Forms
An NCHELP subcommittee has developed federal loan form changes and clarifications to better support standardized claim filing and processing. Among the modified forms is one that USA Funds will require for use effective July 1. Learn more.

USA Funds Update

Scholarships Supported by USA Funds Assist Outstanding Indiana Minority Students
For the third consecutive year, USA Funds has awarded a $25,000 grant to support the Lugar Scholars program. This program awards scholarships to 10 Indiana high school seniors who will be attending college in the state. Read more.

USA Funds Lists Top 50 Lenders
USA Funds lists the top 50 lenders of USA Funds-guaranteed loans through May 2009. Read the list.