How to get student loan help during the government shutdown

As the federal government shutdown drags on, student loan borrowers who need assistance with their accounts have plenty of resources available.

Even shuttered, the U.S. Department of Education may still be helpful.

“Some of the Federal Student Aid call centers are still operational as they are actually staffed by contractors rather than direct employees of the federal government,” said Nancy Nierman, assistant director of the Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program in New York.

To reach the Federal Student Aid Information Center, you call 1-800-4FED-AID, or 1-800-433-3243.

Here’s what borrowers need to know about other options.