FAQ

Have questions about student loan assistance, eligibility, or our process? Browse our frequently asked questions to find clear answers and better understand how Brightside Processing can help you explore available relief options.

Wondering about us?

How can you help me?

Our passion is helping those who worked hard to further their education. We search for programs that can reduce your payments and provide quality repayment options. We want to be your personal guide, so you can begin your new life.

I’m struggling to find programs I’m eligible for. What do I do?

That’s exactly what our experts are here for. We scour through countless programs that can give you great deals, so you don’t have to. Once you share your loan background with us, we’ll do the rest and show you what you’re eligible for.

What does my job qualify for?

If you are employed as a teacher, firefighter, law enforcement or nonprofit worker and any federal/state/city job, you are likely eligible for the best programs offered.

How long will it take?

It takes minutes to screen your information! From there, one of our knowledgeable team members will help you understand and select the best route.

Is it possible to reduce my payment?

Yes! If you are struggling financially, certain programs will grant loan forgiveness and produce methods to reduce your payment. Find out if you’re eligible today!

Is it possible to shorten my payment term?

Yes! There are many options for you to pick from in order to shorten your payment term. We want you to finish your payment as soon as possible, so let us find out if you’re eligible today!

Is it possible to postpone my payment?

Yes! There are various programs that can help with postponing your payments such as grace periods, deferment and forbearance. Although some of these may continue accruing interest during postponement, others may allow you to defer from this. These options do not alter your loan amount but instead give you more time before payments begin. You can find out more about these in our ‘Terminology’ FAQ below.

Understanding the Basics – Terminology

What exactly is a ‘Federal Student Loan’?

The federal government supplies Federal Student Loans to college/ career school eligible students for education expenses. These loans come with interest and must be repaid. Because of interest, the faster you pay off these loans, the better.

What exactly is ‘Student Aid’?

The federal government supplies Federal Student Aid for education related expenses. If you apply with an eligible college (or career school), you can receive different types of Student Aid such as grants, scholarships, loans and work studies. Some of these types of aids do not need to be repaid.

What is a ‘Loan Servicer’?

These are trained professionals who take care of various things concerning your federal student loan. This includes billing and any issues that may arise.

What is ‘Delinquency’?

The minute you miss a payment, your loan automatically falls into a delinquency status. If you miss a payment and pay the next one, your status will still remain as delinquent until the previous one is paid (unless you change repayment methods, or request deferment/forbearance).

What is a ‘Grace Period’?

Not able to pay right away? A grace period allows you to defer payments after you leave school or drop below half-time enrollment for a certain period of time. However, this does not affect your interest rate and you must continue payments once this period ends. Keep in mind that this does not affect the amount you have to pay, it only extends the time before payments begin.

What is ‘Deferment’?

Under certain circumstances, you can choose to postpone the payment of your loan through deferment. The loan amount will remain the same, but you may not have to pay the accrued interest during deferment. This depends on the type of loan(s) you have.

What is ‘Forbearance’?

You may be eligible to temporarily suspended and lower your loan payments. If you have certain financial issues or special circumstances, your lender may offer you forbearance. However, keep in mind that, although your payment is postponed, interest will continue accruing.

What is an ‘Income Driven Repayment Plan (IDR)’?

This is a monthly payment plan designed to be affordable based on your income and family size. If you meet certain requirements, you may be eligible for an easier payment system that works for you.

What is a ‘Loan Consolidation’?

When you don’t repay your loan according to the agreed upon terms, you could fall into default and become at risk for tax/wage garnishments.

What is ‘Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)’?

If you are under a qualifying repayment program and have made 120 monthly payments, you may be able to receive eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. This forgives the remaining balance of your Direct Loans if you are working full-time for a qualifying employer. These are the lowest monthly payment plans available and can be incredibly helpful to those in need.

There are three qualifications for this program:

Fulfill 120 monthly payments (starting after 10/1/2007)
Have completed all payments through a qualified repayment plan
Make payments while working full-time (public employer or non-profit)