btw...student loans are rarely paid yearly and/or overpaid. because students get lump sums, if they leave their course early, the student loans company recoup money calculated on a daily basis from when they stop attending uni. that is why he is 'overpaid'. he owes the money and they do chase debts quite vigorously in my experience (i teach at a uni) and are mostly unsympathetic to personal circumstances. sorry - i don't mean to add to your stress, but he needs to act quickly for the best possible outcome of repayment. also, if he has a student bank account and overdraft, the bank are entitled to recoup any debts immediately as well. he is no longer a student and they will withdraw that service also - quite a common practice when people leave uni after 3 years and have accrued massive debts. you may need to talk to your son about this, too. if he is not honest with his bank, he may get deeper into trouble...as he will have signed a contract for that account which he will only be entitled to as a student. good luck, i wish your family well.