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Summary: Disconnection of Two Toll-Free Telephone Numbers on March 20, 2006

Publication Date: February 2006

Author: G. Kay Jacks, General Manager, FSA Application, School Eligibility and Delivery Services

Summary: Disconnection of Two Toll-Free Telephone Numbers on March 20, 2006

Posted on 02-14-2006

On Monday, March 20, 2006, we will disconnect two toll-free telephone numbers that are no longer needed. These telephone numbers, 800/256-7346 (800/CLOSE-IN) and 800/801-0576, were originally established to answer inquiries related to closed schools and FAFSA On The Web, respectively. For a significant period of time, calls to these telephone numbers have been forwarded to and answered by our Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC). Accordingly, all references to the two telephone numbers should be replaced with the toll-free telephone number for the FSAIC-800/4-FED-AID.

The telephone numbers that we will disconnect on March 20, 2006 are summarized as follows:

Number To Be Disconnected Purpose Number Going Forward
800/256-7346 (800/CLOSE-IN) To assist students with issues related to closed schools 800/4-FED-AID
800/801-0576 To assist students with using FAFSA On The Web 800/4-FED-AID

After the telephone numbers have been disconnected, callers will be informed of the disconnection via recorded message as follows:

  • From March 20, 2006 through June 18, 2006, the recorded message will inform the caller that the telephone number has been disconnected and provide the toll-free telephone number for the FSAIC as the "new" telephone number.

    Note: In the recorded message, only numbers can be provided for the "new" telephone number. Therefore, instead of referring the caller to 800/4-FED-AID, the message will refer the caller to its numerical equivalent-800/433-3243.

  • Beginning on June 19, 2006, the recorded message will inform the caller only that the number has been disconnected.

At this time, we ask schools to review their printed materials and Web sites for references to the two telephone numbers that soon will be disconnected. Please change any such references to the toll-free telephone number for the FSAIC-800/4-FED-AID.

Note: The FSAIC's toll-free number for TTY users is 800/730-8913. Callers in locations without access to 800 numbers can call 319/337-5665 (this is not a toll-free number).

We appreciate schools' timely review and revision of their materials and Web sites. If you have any questions about this announcement, contact the FSAIC at 800/4-FED-AID.