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dibro · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 5:19 am Subject: do I just let them keep garnishing?

Ok, so life got in the way - single mom struggles and such - student loans were the least of my troubles, and I stuck my head in the sand about them for an embarrassing amount of time.

I still currently have some major financial issues that I am dealing with that are just more important than the student loans...a housing crisis, for instance...but at least I have a steady job.

Had a bankruptcy, was breathing a bit after the stay stopped the garnishment and offset, and again stuck my head in the sand while trying to make sure there was food and a home.

So...my question. I've been garnished again since January, and just got another notice for a garnishment and an offset. Can they garnish more than the 15 percent they're already getting? Should I just let them offset? I figure at least now they are getting money and I really do want to pay them back. This is all from loans from the late 80's.

Thanks

Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 5:35 am Subject:

what happened with the bankruptcy, I'm confused.

Dibro · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 5:38 am Subject:

You can't get rid of student loans through bankruptcy. Apparently you only get a break for a while from the collection activity.

Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 5:40 am Subject:

AHHHh got it. So you filed a chapter 7 then? I think they would need to take you back to court to get more than the 15%. This might seem like a silly question but have you tried working out a deal with them?

Dibro · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 5:50 am Subject:

No...the problem is that I am really struggling with paying off an arrears with my rent and came close to being evicted. I'm looking for a third job, but right now I just don't have any money to bargain with.

It's embarrassing, but I have to admit that I don't even know who I owe money to, or even how much. It's just too overwhelming...especially considering my current circumstances. But at least since the money is being garnished they are getting something.

Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 5:53 am Subject:

I'm sorry that your having such a hard time, we've all been there. Hang tight, some of the others will be along shortly to offer up some ideas. Keep you chin up, you will work this out!!

Dibro · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 5:56 am Subject:

Thank you

I'm working on it, I really am. Being a single mom with no child support is hard Sad

I'll get through it, though.

Dibro · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 6:29 am Subject:

Ok, so I got brave and plucked my head out of the sand! I went to the site that was recommended here and found out my student loan info!

I have discovered that it isn't nearly as bad as I had feared!!! Though it IS significant - about $10k - this is an amount that once I deal with my rent arrearage I can manage. I just can't do anything now. So is it pointless to talk to anyone about this?

Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 10:02 am Subject:

If you looked on NSLDS it probably isnt reflecting collection fees....in order to get an accurate balance you would need to contact the CA.

As for another garnishment, the answer is possibly. It really depends on what your state maximum is for garnishment. If it is 25%, the second garnishment can garnish only up to that amount or 10%.

Dibro · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 2:53 pm Subject:

Thank you. I live in NJ...do you know what the maximum is here?

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do I just let them keep garnishing?

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