Why is My Sons Navient Student Loan on My Credit Report?

Question:

Dear Steve,

I recently discovered that my son’s student loan is on my credit report. I filed for bankruptcy in October of last year and just happened to check my credit score to find it there. I have disputed it with TransUnion and am waiting for the outcome. I did not co-sign for this loan.

I just received my Trustees Notice of Final report showing the applications for compensation to unsecured creditors and it lists Navient Solutions LLC as an allowed claimant who received a disbursement from the settlement funds I was required to pay the Trustee. Can they include themselves in my bankruptcy but still remain on my credit report?

Suzanne

Answer:

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Dear Suzanne,

In the past, I’ve seen this happen when a parent takes out a Parent Plus loan to help their child with student loans. Sometimes people mistakenly believe it is the child loan but the reality is the parent is responsible for it.

But one thing is for certain, it’s a bit of a mystery at this point. It’s just not clear if this is a federal or private student loan. That makes a big difference.

The first thing I would do is to contact your bankruptcy attorney and attempt to get more information about the loan in your bankruptcy.

You should also go to the National Students Loan Data System (NSLDS) and login to see if the loan is listed in there. If it is you will then know it is a federal student loan since only federal loans are included. If it is listed you can learn more about the specifics of the loan.

Please post an update in the comments section below with what you learn.

Sincerely,

You are not alone. I'm here to help. There is no need to suffer in silence. We can get through this. Tomorrow can be better than today. Don't give up.