Ok...I have a question.... In the collection information I'd posted above, they often refer to "the Institution" meaning who I had been paying to. In a normal circumstance, thes would be my loan holder. Since the Dep of Ed took over my loan before any repayment began....would they fall in to the category of "the institution"?
Just want to be sure I'm getting my information correct.
How do I find the Ombudsman????
Thanks everyone!
You can find everything about the Ombudsman (including his contact info) here.
I'd click through the pages and see what's what first, though. Back when we had issues with DH's SL servicer, this site's info gave us an AMAZING amount of info. It was finally speaking to a rep in the office that we realized that WE were right and ACS was WRONG. We were even able to use this as leverage with ACS.
Now, bear in mind that this is an office of the DoE (the same people driving you nutso), BUT this is the consumer advocate side of the coin. They SHOULD be either able to help you ~ or refer you to someone who can. Or just give you the tools to help yourself (like they did for us).
Here's the contact info for any "lazy" lurkers: 
U.S. Department of Education
FSA Ombudsman
830 First Street, NE
Fourth Floor
Washington, DC 20202-5144
Phone 1-877-557-2575
Fax number
202-275-0549
Linky to the online contact form.
Personally, unless you're on the night shift or a dedicated night owl, I'd call. While I use email almost exclusively for work and pleasure, I do so because I can ... well ... kinda put people off for a bit if I need/want to.
If you call, they kinda have no choice but to answer. Also kinda makes you more of a human being and not just some faceless robot they can dismiss, yannow? Always use the human element when you can, I always say!!
Best of luck, Mo!!!
@bigtim wrote:
OK, thanks for the correction...
I'm familiar with that one also, and, I happen to live in N.Y. I'm not sure if it applies in Mo's case, but good point.
I wasn't correcting you, per se. Just pointing out that the CRTP isn't always as severe as it seems. NY certainly tells the FCRA what-fer!
If I had a nickel for every time one of you New Yawkers (read with pleasant southern drawl, please) said "Wow! I didn't know it should have fallen off 2 years ago!! That rotten, stinking scumbag of a CA who didn't remove it ..." ... well, I'd OWN these here forums!!!
My point just being that most people don't know that and are actually resigned to living with 7 years of poopy. Sometimes, just sometimes, our state legislators does something *nice* for us humble folk.
*wishing I lived in NY*
@Anonymous wrote:
@bigtim wrote:OK, thanks for the correction...
I'm familiar with that one also, and, I happen to live in N.Y. I'm not sure if it applies in Mo's case, but good point.
I wasn't correcting you, per se. Just pointing out that the CRTP isn't always as severe as it seems. NY certainly tells the FCRA what-fer!
If I had a nickel for every time one of you New Yawkers (read with pleasant southern drawl, please) said "Wow! I didn't know it should have fallen off 2 years ago!! That rotten, stinking scumbag of a CA who didn't remove it ..." ... well, I'd OWN these here forums!!!
My point just being that most people don't know that and are actually resigned to living with 7 years of poopy. Sometimes, just sometimes, our state legislators does something *nice* for us humble folk.
*wishing I lived in NY*
Thanks again. I may actually get to use this law someday - I have a $65 unpaid medical collection - only collection on my EQ. I don't dare to pay it (strange how this stuff works) because I'm afraid to stir up the calm waters. But if or when I do, I shall attempt to use this to remove it - it will be 5 yrs. old in May/10.
Wonderin!!!! You should change your name to "WONDERFUL"!!!
You have found for me, exactly the information necessary to finally take care of this. I cannot imagine anyone looking at the documentation and timeline I will present, and not understand my concerns.
YOU ROCK!!!!! If I knew where you were, I'd buy you a 5 star dinner! 
I love this place!!! People that don't even know you take the time, do some investigating, and come up with the resources you need. I suppose it's like the movie...."Pay it Forward" 