What Is MOHELA?
MOHELA (Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority) is the federal student loan servicer responsible for processing all Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) applications. In 2022, the Department of Education moved PSLF processing from FedLoan to MOHELA, making it the central hub for over 8 million borrowers — including all borrowers actively pursuing PSLF.
MOHELA also services Direct Loans for borrowers not on the PSLF track.
How to Contact MOHELA
- Website: mohela.com
- Phone: 1-888-866-4352
- Hours: Monday–Friday 8 AM–8 PM ET; Saturday 10 AM–2 PM ET
- PSLF-specific inquiries: Same number, select the PSLF option
What 2026 Policy Changes Mean for MOHELA Borrowers
If you are pursuing PSLF: MOHELA tracks your qualifying payment count. Log in to mohela.com to see your PSLF payment tracker. You must be on a qualifying IDR plan (IBR, ICR, or PAYE) — SAVE payments made during the injunction period do not count.
If you are enrolled in SAVE: You are in administrative forbearance. Payments are paused but do not count toward PSLF or IDR forgiveness. You should consider switching to IBR, which is open to new enrollees and qualifies for PSLF.
If you were transferred from FedLoan/PHEAA: Your payment history transferred with your loans. If your PSLF count at MOHELA doesn't match your records, submit a dispute through mohela.com.
Key Actions for MOHELA Borrowers
- Check your PSLF payment count at mohela.com or use the PSLF Help Tool at studentaid.gov.
- Submit an Employer Certification Form (ECF) annually and after any job change to keep your count current.
- If on SAVE: Consider switching to IBR immediately so your payments begin counting toward PSLF again.
- Recertify your income annually — MOHELA will notify you when your recertification date is approaching.
PSLF-Specific Guidance
To qualify for PSLF, you need:
- 10 years (120 qualifying payments) while working full-time for a qualifying employer (government or 501(c)(3) nonprofit)
- An eligible repayment plan: IBR, ICR, or PAYE — not SAVE during the current injunction
- Direct Loans — FFEL loans do not qualify unless consolidated
If you have 120 payments but haven't applied yet, submit your PSLF Application through studentaid.gov. MOHELA processes the application and notifies the Department of Education.
Common MOHELA Problems and Solutions
"My payment count is lower than expected." Some past periods (forbearance, deferment, wrong plan) don't count. Review your payment history and compare to your ECF submissions. If you believe there's an error, contact MOHELA and submit supporting documentation.
"I was transferred from FedLoan and my count changed." Payment history transfers can have discrepancies. File a formal dispute with MOHELA and include your FedLoan payment history records.
"I applied for PSLF but haven't heard back." MOHELA processing times vary. You can check your application status in your mohela.com account. Processing typically takes 60–90 days.