JOPLIN, Mo. —
Joplin tornado victims who have student loan payments due may be able to postpone them under an agreement between Missouri State Treasurer Clint Zweifel and Sallie Mae.
Sallie Mae is the top financial services company specializing in student loans.
Zweifel said by phone Wednesday that about 2,000 people in Joplin have student loans through Sallie Mae.
“It just made logical sense for me to reach out to Sallie Mae,” Zweifel said, adding that the company’s officials seem to understand the situation in Joplin.
“The key is, we want everybody who does business in Missouri to pitch in and help” those affected by the tornado, he said.
He said it is critical for those who want to take advantage of the agreement to call Sallie Mae to inform officials of their situations.
Payment relief may include postponing payments through the end of September.
“This is simply another tool in the toolbox for some who might see this as a good choice,” he said.
He said in many cases, Sallie Mae customers may have lost their homes and loan documents.
Michael Maier, senior vice president for Sallie Mae, said in a news release announcing the agreement that he would be happy if the agreement can help some of its customers who are tornado victims.
“Sallie Mae is committed to the rebuilding effort and to providing assistance in the wake of this disaster,” Maier said.
Sallie Mae officials and Zweifel will monitor progress in Joplin to determine if payment relief may need to be extended beyond September.
Assistance
Sallie Mae customers affected by the tornado may call 888-272-5543 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday or 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays.
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