If Usdoe/Glelsi is showing up on your credit report, it likely means you’ve defaulted on a federal student loan. Here’s what that means—and how to work toward getting them removed from your credit report.
Who Is Usdoe/Glelsi?
Usdoe/Glelsi represents a partnership between the U.S. Department of Education (Usdoe) and Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc. (Glelsi), based in Madison, Wisconsin. Glelsi is a nonprofit organization that manages student loan repayment for borrowers with federal student loans.
Today, they operate under the name Ascendium Education Group.
If Usdoe/Glelsi or Ascendium appears on your credit report as a collection account, it usually means a federal student loan under their management has gone unpaid and entered default status.
How to Remove Usdoe/Glelsi From Your Credit Report
Collection accounts can damage your credit for up to seven years, but there are ways to address them:
- Dispute inaccuracies – If the account information is incorrect, file a dispute with the credit bureaus.
- Request debt validation – You have the right to request written proof the debt belongs to you and the balance is correct.
- Explore pay-for-delete options – In some situations, you may be able to negotiate removal of the account in exchange for payment. This isn’t always offered for federal student loans but is worth exploring.
- Work with a credit repair company – Experts can help you challenge negative items and address collections properly.
Ready to Clean Up Your Credit Report?
Learn how credit repair professionals can assist you in disputing inaccuracies on your credit report.
Should You Contact or Pay Usdoe/Glelsi?
Before making payments, verify that the debt is accurate and reported properly. Credit reports often contain mistakes, and paying without confirmation can sometimes restart collection efforts depending on your situation.
Many borrowers choose to work with experienced credit repair professionals when dealing with Usdoe/Glelsi or Ascendium to avoid making errors that can impact their credit.
Can Great Lakes or Ascendium Sue You or Garnish Your Wages?
Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, now Ascendium Education Group, manages federal student loans but does not file lawsuits or garnish wages themselves. Those actions are handled by the U.S. Department of Education if a borrower defaults on a federal loan.
If default occurs, the Department of Education may:
- Garnish wages
- Withhold tax refunds
- Place liens or take other collection actions
These steps typically happen after several attempts to arrange repayment.
Complaints About Usdoe/Glelsi
Many borrowers have filed complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Better Business Bureau (BBB) over issues such as:
- Inaccurate credit reporting
- Harassment or excessive contact
- Failure to verify debts
If you face these problems, consider filing a complaint with the CFPB or BBB.
Your Rights When Dealing With Usdoe/Glelsi
Borrowers have protections under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). These laws require fair treatment and accurate reporting.
Your rights include:
- Disputing incorrect or incomplete information
- Requesting written proof that the debt belongs to you
- Protection from threats, harassment, or abusive language
- Clear identification if they are acting as a debt collection agency
- Protection from false claims of legal action they cannot take
Knowing your rights helps you handle these situations more confidently.
Usdoe/Glelsi Contact Information
Great Lakes Educational Loan Services / Ascendium
2401 International Ln
Madison, WI 53704
Phone: (800) 236-4300
U.S. Department of Education
LBJ Department of Education Building
400 Maryland Ave SW
Washington, DC 20202
Phone: (800) 621-3115 or (800) 4FED-AID
Website: ed.gov
Get Help Removing Usdoe/Glelsi From Your Credit Report
Student loan collections can damage your credit, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Credit Saint has more than 15 years of experience helping people challenge inaccurate items on their credit reports—including accounts from Usdoe/Glelsi and Ascendium.
They even offer a 90-day money-back guarantee for extra peace of mind.
To get started, visit their website or call (855) 281-1510 for a free consultation.
Brooke Banks is a personal finance writer specializing in credit, debt, and smart money management. She helps readers understand their rights, build better credit, and make confident financial decisions with clear, practical advice.
