5 ways to stop student loan garnishment for free

5 ways to stop student loan garnishment for free5 ways to stop student loan garnishment for freeWage garnishment is often the last resort for creditors and collectors who are looking to collect on delinquent debt.This process is triggered when your employer is legally required to deduct up to 25% of your earnings to pay off your debt. When it comes to student loans, this usually happens after youdefaulton your payments.The best way to avoid wage garnishment is to make you dont default on your student loan debt in the first place. But when youre already in the process, there are five ways to stop it - without necessarily paying someone to help you. Heres what you need to know.1. Find out how to appealWhen you receive notice from the Department of Education (DOE) that they plan to garnish your wages, first verify that the information is correct and that youve received a legit notice.The notice should explain when garnishment will begin and how you can appeal the garnishment.If you can afford it, you might want to consider getting help from an attorney who specializes in student loan debt.While you dont necessarily need an attorney, a lawyer canhelp you better navigate your options.2. Object to wage garnishment through a hearingYou have the right to request a hearing from the Department of Education (via thisonlineform)if your debt consists of student loans.This delays wage garnishment and may even stop it ifYou have not defaulted on your loans and there was a mistake.Garnishment would leave you with extreme financial hardship.If you were laid off after being in a position for less than a year.You recently filed for bankruptcy.3. Consolidate your loans ASAPIf you received notification of garnishment but it has not yet begun, you may be able to stop itbyconsolidatingyour loansintoa Direct Loan.The consolidation process essentially combines all your federal loans into a single loan, which usually comes with a lower monthly payment.Youll need to enroll your new cons olidated loan in anincome-driven repayment plan.Moving through this process creates a new loan that is in good standing.Tip The fastest way to accomplish this is to call your loan servicer and ask them to calculate your new monthly payments. Many lenders can even consolidate your loans right over the phone.4. Use a loan rehabilitationprogramAnother possibility loan rehabilitation. A loan rehabilitation program is an agreement with your loan holder that you will make on-time monthly payments for 10 months.This will stop wage garnishment after you make five successful payments. Your loan holder determines the amount of your monthly payments based on your income.One important (and unfortunate) thing to note is that this means you will make two payments each month one to wage garnishment and one to the rehabilitation program. However, it might not be as bad as it sounds. Your monthly paymentunder a loan rehabilitation can be as low as $5 depending on your income.5. Start a repayment pro gramWhen you receive notice that your wages are being garnished, another option you have is to work directly with your lender or the collection agency to get on a repayment program and begin digging yourself out of debt.This option assumes you have enough money to pay your loans each month, but if you dont, you might also be able to work with your lender to lower your monthly payment so that its easier for you to pay.The best things about these options are they are free. While some companies claim to be able to help you stop wage garnishment for a fee, you dont need to pay for help. Remember, oftentimes, asking for a fee in exchange for student loan help is ascam.This article first appeared on Comet Financial.