Third-Party Servicers

The Third-Party Servicer Inquiry Form is an OMB-approved data collection tool utilized to obtain information needed to validate third-party servicer information reported to the Department by institutions, as well as to collect additional information from third-party servicers needed for effective oversight.

A third-party servicer is an entity or individual that administers any aspect of an institution’s participation in the Title IV programs, including, but not limited to, services and functions necessary:

  • For the institution to remain eligible to participate in the Title IV programs
  • To determine a student’s eligibility for Title IV funds,
  • To account for Title IV funds,
  • To deliver Title IV funds to students, or
  • To perform any other aspect of the administration of the Title IV programs.

Third-Party Servicer Data Inquiry Form

Entities or individuals that meet the definition of a third-party servicer are required to submit the Third-Party Servicer Inquiry Form to the Department. Third-Party Servicers are required to update information provided on the Third-Party Servicer Inquiry Form within 10 days of the date that:

  • The servicer changes its name;
  • The servicer changes the address or contact information for its primary location or additional location;
  • The servicer adds or terminates a contract with an eligible Title IV institution; or
  • The servicer buys, sells, or merges with another third-party servicer.

Help From Third-Party Servicer Oversight Group

For help with completing the Third-Party Servicer Inquiry Form, please contact the Third-Party Servicer Oversight Group.

Third-Party Servicer Oversight Group
FSAPC3rdpartyserviceroversight@ed.gov
816-268-0543

For issues with your user ID or password, contact Partner Connect Customer Support via Help Center.

Resources

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Submit Annual Compliance Audits

Additional Information

Paperwork Reduction Statement

OMB CONTROL NUMBER: 1845-0130
EXPIRATION DATE: 02/28/2026

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1845-0130. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 75 minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. The obligation to respond to this collection is required to retain the benefit to contract with eligible institutions pursuant to 34 C.F.R. § 668.25. If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, please contact the Third Party Servicer Oversight Group directly at (816) 268-0543 or fsapc3rdpartyserviceroversight@ed.gov

Privacy Act Disclosure Notice

Thank you for visiting our Web site. Postsecondary institutions use the E-APP to apply for designation as an eligible institution, initial participation, recertification, reinstatement, or continued approval after a change in ownership, or to update a current approval. Updates include changes such as, but not limited to, name or address change, new location or program, increased level of offering, change of officials, or mailing address for publications. This includes information about the school’s name, address, locations, programs, officials, authorizing agencies, owners and servicers. We only collect information that we need to determine if the institution is eligible, and if applicable, certified to participate in the Title IV, HEA programs. The information that is being requested is mandated by the Higher Education Act and Title 31 as amended by Section 31001 of Public Law 104-134 of the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996. Section 498A(a)(3) of the HEA requires the Secretary to establish a central database of information on institutional accreditation, eligibility, and certification that includes all information available to the Department. Section 498A(c) instructs the Secretary to make this information available to all institutions of higher education, guaranty agencies, states, and other organizations participating in the programs authorized under Title IV of the HEA. Please note: the Application requests the Social Security numbers (SSNs) of the owners of the institution. The SSNs are used to determine institutional eligibility and to verify identities. The SSNs are collected under the authority of the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-134. This act requires Federal agencies to secure the TIN (the Social Security Number, for individuals) of persons "doing business with the agency," a term that includes being "in a relationship with the agency that may give rise to a receivable due that agency." 31 U.S.C. §7701(c)(1), (2)(E).