Student loan repayment has been on pause during much of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pause included no added interest, a pause on having to repay loans, and stopped collections on defaulted loans, but that all could end soon. The pause is scheduled to end Aug. 31, with repayment beginning after that date. Here are some ways to prepare.

The Federal Student Aid (FSA) website has a multitude of information available for borrowers with questions about the payment pause and more. The website also lists steps to take to prepare for the end of the payment pause.

• First, make sure your contact information is updated on your loan servicer’s website and through the StudentAid.gov website.
• Review your auto-debit enrollment status.
• Use the Loan Simulator tool to find the best repayment plan.
• Research income-driven repayment plans (IDR), which are repayment plans adjusted for income and family size.

FSA also states that once the payment pause ends, borrowers will receive their first billing statement 21 days before the payment is due. The statement will include the due date, upcoming interest, and the payment amount.

One of the most important steps to take is looking at repayment plans. Revised Pay As You Earn (REPAYE) plans provide another option with the potential to save some money.

There is also the option to request a temporary pause on loans either by deferment or forbearance. However, interest will still add to the amount, unlike during the COVID-19 emergency pause.

FSA has several helpful articles with more detailed information, as well as tools to apply these various options to a specific financial situation. Take a look at the COVID-19 Emergency Relief and Federal Student Aid section on the FSA website as well as an article by FSA, 6 Ways to Prepare for Student Loan Repayment to Begin Again. Also, check out articles about student loan forgiveness for those looking to apply for that, as well as repayment flexibilities.