Question about Wells Fargo Student Loan

[emmacat]

I searched the boards for an answer to this, to no avail. I have a private student loan with Wells Fargo-I know student loans are not dis-chargeable. I was under the assumption that during the automatic stay I don't need to make payments on my student loans, that they were automatically in deferment. I haven't received any bills. (also, I have no job and no income)

Called Wells Fargo today and they said I'm 60 days past due. That I need to pay $220 to be current then I could apply for a 2 month forbearance. I told her I had NO income and NO job. She said it doesn't matter. They will not do a 2-month forbearance unless I'm current.

I asked what would happen if I just couldn't pay because I didn't have a job (they're unwilling to defer it). She said after 120 days late it would be "charged off" and the full amount would be due. Now how is a person supposed to come up with $8,000 on demand when I can't come up with my monthly payment of $115 ??!!

Does anyone have experience with this? Will the interest keep going up? Will my $8,000 loan turn into a $20,000 loan? Does "charged off" mean it goes to a collection agency and I can settle for less than I owe?

Also, aren't student loans automatically in deferment while awaiting discharge? Any references/experience greatly appreciated!

[mayse]

Student loans do not go into deferrment. You have to keep paying them. When they discharge it, they will sell it to a collection agency who will then begin trying to collect, including wage garnishments, keep your tax returns. I would send them something just to show you are trying.

[dingdong]

Call Wells Fargo, ask for the BK dept. Have your BK case number handy and tell them you are in BK. They may be able to put you in an auto defer until you are discharged. The regular CSR's probably don't know crap about BK.

[mgmadara]

Student loans do not go into deferrment. You have to keep paying them.

My student loans went into an automatic deferment the day I filed and came off 6 months later, after I was discharged.