Overview
The University of California has engaged the services of Heartland ECSI, Inc. as the servicer for all of the university's Federal Perkins and Institutional loans including, but not limited to, sending student loan billing statements, processing student loan payments, forbearance, deferment, and cancellation request forms, and providing quality customer service to our student loan borrowers. Heartland ECSI does not service Federal Direct Loans.
Registering with Heartland ECSI
Heartland ECSI, requires student loan borrowers to register on their website and create a profile. Please use the following instructions to register and access your account information, take advantage of expanded payment options, and to sign up for electronic statements:
Step 1: ECSI Website
Navigate to the Heartland ECSI website.
Step 2: Register and Create a Profile
From the ECSI home page, click the 'Register' link and create a profile.
Step 3: Connect Your Account
Connect your account using your Heartland Key visible on your billing statement.
Tips to Managing Repayment
Keep a paper file just for your student loan materials and keep a folder on your laptop just for your student loan information too. This provides easy reference for yourself.
If you have a Federal Direct Loan, it will be serviced elsewhere and can be viewed by logging in to Federal Student Aid from their Manage Loans page. If you have a private student loan from a third party, please go to the third party website to manage those loans.
Most loans have deferment or forbearance options. If you are having trouble making payments, it is better to reach out to your loan servicer than risk default.
Know Your Student Loan Repayment Obligation
A student loan is a serious and important financial obligation, and you must repay your loan.
You are required to repay your loan(s) regardless of whether you complete your education, are able to find employment, or are satisfied with your education.
Repayment is required according to the terms of your promissory note.
You must provide your loan servicer with corrections to your name, address, references, Social Security number, and driver's license information.
You may be able to apply for deferment, forbearance, or cancellation of your loan payments. (Refer to your promissory note.)
If you do not apply for deferment or cancellation, you must pay your loan(s) as scheduled.
You can prepay all or part of your loan(s) at any time without penalty.
You may be eligible to defer repayment if you go to another institution of higher education. Contact ECSI Customer Service Advocate via Live Chat from the Heartland ECSI website, Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM EST, or toll-free phone at 888-549-3274, Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM EST.
Apply For Loan Deferment, Cancellation, or Consolidation (If Necessary)
Deferment
Deferment is a period of time during repayment in which the borrower, upon meeting certain conditions, is not required to make payments of loan principal and sometimes interest. Deferment of your Perkins or Institutional loan may be granted if:
- You are enrolled at least half time at an accredited institution
- You are a member of the armed forces or various public or private volunteer organizations (e.g., Peace Corps or VISTA)
- You are in advanced professional training
Get deferment forms for Perkins borrowers at the Heartland ECSI website.
Cancellation
Cancellation of your obligation to repay your Perkins loan may be granted if you are employed in:
- Teaching
- Early intervention services
- Law enforcement or corrections
- Nursing or medical technician position
- Child or family services
- Head Start
- Military
All loans can be discharged for total and permanent disability and death.
Consolidation
Consolidation combines all of your federal loans into one loan:
- You must be in your repayment period to apply for consolidation
- Your interest rate will be fixed for the length of the loan
- You may include your Perkins loan, but once consolidated, you are no longer eligible for the cancellation options listed on your Perkins promissory note
- Under consolidation, interest will accrue similar to an unsubsidized loan
Consolidation information for all borrowers is available at the Federal Student Aid's Direct Consolidation Loan Application web page.
For more specific information, read your promissory note(s), or contact your loan servicer.
Repay Your Student Loan(s)
If you cannot meet the repayment schedule on your university-based student loan(s), contact the Student Loan Coordinator at accountconsultants@berkeley.edu.
If You Are Delinquent on Your Student Loan(s)
Please be aware of the following if you are delinquent on your student loan(s):
- You may have to pay late fees, collection costs, and/or interest in addition to the loan amount
- Your credit rating may be adversely affected
- Your state income tax refund could be withheld
- You may be ineligible for further student aid, deferments, forbearances, and loan consolidation
- Additionally, it could impact your ability to future enrollment