Natural Disaster Information

HELP IS AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS, BORROWERS, AND SCHOOLS

The U.S. Department of Education is committed to assisting students enrolled in postsecondary education who have been impacted by hurricanes and natural disasters. This page provides links to information we have posted related to the impact of the natural disasters on students, parents, student loan borrowers, colleges and universities, and financial institutions that participate in the federal student assistance programs.

US Department of Education Guidance

The following is information regarding the impact of a “major disaster” on the administration of the Title IV student assistance programs.

Information Related to Hurricane Helene

The Department is taking action in response to the devastating impacts of Hurricane and Tropical Storm Helene, which is a federally declared major disaster (disaster) as defined in The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122(2)). The guidance below is intended to help partners affected by this disaster:

Information Related to Previous Disasters

The Department also took steps in response to other natural disasters. The guidance below was intended to help partners impacted by previous disasters:

Contact Information

Students, Parents, and Borrowers

  • Students and parents with questions about whether or not their school is operating should contact the school directly or visit your school's website.

  • Students and parents with questions about their federal student aid can call 1-800-4FEDAID (1-800-433-3243).

  • Borrowers who have questions about their Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loan should contact their lender directly or they can call 1-800-4FEDAID (1-800-433-3243) or may contact the Federal Student Aid Ombudsman at 1-877-557-2575 or 1-202-377-3800.

  • Borrowers who have questions about their federally-owned loans (Direct Loans or FFEL Purchased Loans) should contact their federal loan servicer directly. Federal Loan Servicer contact information is available on the Federal Student Aid Loan Servicers Web page They can also call 1-800-4FEDAID(1-800-433-3243) or may contact the Federal Student Aid Ombudsman at 1-877-557-2575 or 1-202-377-3800.

Postsecondary Schools

Lenders, Servicers, or Guaranty Agencies

  • Lenders, servicers and guaranty agencies with questions can call NSLDS Customer Care Center at 1-800-999-8219, or they can send an e-mail to nslds@ed.gov.

General Inquiries and Disaster Assistance Resources

Last Modified: 10/03/2024 • Published: 03/28/2021