Question:
Dear Steve,
I have defaulted on a direct federal consolidation loan. I was a teacher but had an on the job accident and I am no longer able to stand to teach. Luckily, I was a career change person and have been able to find a job in another industry (not public service related) I owe 112,000 in student loans and was planning to do the pay for 10 years as a teacher and have remaining balance forgiven.
How do I get out of default when I can barely afford to living expenses? Please give me options.
Dayna
Answer:
Dear Dayna,
So sorry to hear about your medical issues.
If you were on a Direct Consolidation Loan you should ask your servicer to place you in one of the Income Driven Repayment programs. This will keep you out of default and give you a payment as low as $0 per month.
For more information click here.
Big Hug! 
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If you have a credit or debt question you'd like to ask just use the online form .
The difficult thing with IBR, is they do not take into consideration your mortgage/rent payment or other loans payments. So, even though you have no extra income to pay student loans, because of cost of living and other debt, they will come up with a 10-15% of you income number that is not possible to pay.
I completely agree it is not a perfect solution and it is restrictive. But if you want to see a really ridiculous standard, then look no further than what the IRS permits as allowable expenses when they calculate forced payments.
Question asked.