How to Obtain a Federal Student Loan.

1. Complete a FAFSA
   Before you begin applying for a Stafford and/or PLUS Loan, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It must be completed for each academic year that you request federal aid. FAFSAs for the upcoming academic year are available online on or after January 2. Contact your school for their application deadline.
   
   
2. Receive your SAR
   Once your FAFSA is processed, a Student Aid Report (SAR) is created. If you completed your FAFSA online, allow 1-2 weeks for you and your school to receive the SAR electronically. Paper FAFSAs take 6-8 weeks to process.
   
   
3. Receive your Award Letter
   Your school(s) use data from your SAR to determine your financial aid award for the current academic year and send you an award letter by e-mail of US Mail. (If your letter mentions the William D. Ford Direct Lending Program, contact your school for the appropriate promissory note.)
   
   
4. Apply fast and easy online and receive answers to frequently asked questions.
   Apply Now for a Federal Stafford Loan
   Apply Now for a Federal PLUS (Parent) Loan
   Apply Now for a Federal Graduate/Professional PLUS Loan
   If applying on a form other than one provided by NEFCU, remember to use our lender code 808217.
   
   
5. Your School completes the School Certification Form
   Your school must complete a School Certification Form indicating the loan amount and disbursement dates. It is suggested that you stay in contact with your school to determine their timeline to certify and expedite the completion of the form. The completed form should be sent to the loan servicer and guarantor, Great Lakes.
   
   
6. Your School will Receive the Funds
   Upon receipt of the school certification form, verification of credit union membership, and credit approval for Parent PLUS/Grad PLUS borrowers, the loan will be guaranteed within 24 hours. Funds will be sent to the school on the date the school has indicated.
   
   
7. Access Your Loan Account Online
   To check the status of your loan, view your account information and make payments from your bank account 24/7, and find information to help you manage your loan, go to www.mygreatlakes.org. Choose "Borrowers" and then log in to access Applications in the Progress (AIP) and Internet Borrower Inquiry Service (IBIS).
   
   
8. Call These Toll-free Numbers for Loan Inquiries
   
   • BEFORE your loan is disbursed to the school:
     Great Lakes at 1-800-247-0462
   • AFTER your loan is disbursed to the school:
     Great Lakes at 1-800-236-4300

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   Want to know more? Speak to a representative at any NEFCU branch, or at 516.561.0030 or (800) 99-NEFCU outside the LI/NYC area to hear about the terms and conditions of this loan, subject to credit approval. NEFCU's loan program offerings can change at any time.