Student loan servicers are instrumental in overseeing the repayment journey for borrowers, taking care of diverse responsibilities associated with loan servicing. American Education Services (AES), a notable player in this field, operates as part of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. It is responsible for managing both private and Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) loans. If your student loans are under the purview of AES, let’s delve into the ways they can support you on your path to financial free, along with guidance on reaching their customer service.
Services Provided by AES:
- Online Account Access: AES offers online account registration, enabling borrowers to access their account information, view monthly billing statements, and make payments conveniently.
- Autopay Enrollment: Borrowers can opt for autopay services, allowing automatic deduction of payments from their bank accounts. Enrolling in autopay may also qualify borrowers for a reduction in interest rates.
- Income-Driven Repayment Enrollment: Eligible borrowers can sign up for income-driven repayment plans, which limit monthly loan payments based on income levels. These plans provide flexibility for borrowers facing financial hardships.
- Deferment and Forbearance Processing: AES assists borrowers in requesting deferment or forbearance, temporarily suspending payments, or reducing payment amounts for those experiencing temporary financial difficulties. However, interest may continue to accrue during these periods.
- Loan Consolidation: AES helps borrowers consolidate FFELP loans into direct loans with the federal government. Consolidation may offer access to additional repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs.
- Payment Processing: AES manages monthly loan payments and processes additional payments from borrowers. Borrowers can specify instructions for allocating extra costs to their loan balances.
How to Contact AES Customer Service:
- Phone Number: Dial 1-800-233-0557 to reach AES customer service representatives during operating hours.
- Operating Hours: Customer service is available Monday to Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time.
- Mailing Addresses:
- For loan payments:
- American Education Services (AES)
- P.O. Box 65093
- Baltimore, MD 21264-5093
- For conditional payments:
- AES – Conditional Payments
- P.O. Box 2251
- Harrisburg, PA 17105-2251
- For general correspondence:
- American Education Services (AES)
- P.O. Box 2461
- Harrisburg, PA 17105-2461
- Website: Visit AES’s website for account access and additional information.
- Email: Log in to your AES account to access email communication options.
- Social Channels: AES may have official social media accounts for updates and announcements.
Resolving Issues and Filing Complaints:
- Office of Consumer Advocacy: Begin by filing a complaint with the Office of Consumer Advocacy at the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.
- Federal Student Aid Feedback System: Submit complaints through the Federal Student Aid Feedback System.
- State Authorities: Contact your attorney general’s or consumer protection office to escalate unresolved issues.
- Congressional Representatives: Consider contacting your congressional representative for assistance with unresolved concerns.
Dispute Resolution:
If complaints remain unresolved, borrowers can contact the Federal Student Aid Ombudsman Group as a final resort for dispute resolution. Additionally, nonprofit organizations such as The Institute of Student Loan Advisors offer free dispute resolution services to borrowers.
When communicating with AES or filing complaints, maintain detailed records of conversations, correspondence, and account information for reference.
In conclusion, understanding the services AES provides and knowing how to contact customer service is essential for borrowers managing their student loans. By leveraging available resources and seeking assistance when needed, borrowers can navigate the loan repayment process effectively and address any issues that may arise along the way.
