A Mohela rep told me yesterday that processing forbearance extensions are available you just have to call and ask for an extension because of the processing delays. Has anyone tried this?

I was at 114/120 as of November 2024. My IDR recertification date was February 1, 2025. I made my December and January payment which would put me at 116/120. January 13th I submitted my IDR application through FSA and not Mohela which I later read in here that a wet signature with Mohela would have been better. I called Mohela to confirm that I was in a processing forbearance and received a different answer EVERY SINGLE CALL. Some reps said I was in a forbearance but couldn't see the type. Some didn't see the forbearance and didn't know if it would count towards PSLF. Finally, after three calls in a row to three different Mohela reps it was confirmed that I was in fact in a processing forbearance even though I didn't get a letter. I was also advised that I could still make monthly payments while in the processing forbearance which would put me in a paid ahead status.

This is important to me because my income went up from the last time I certified so being paid ahead at my current payment would be good until they finish my IDR certification. February and March are my processing forbearance months putting me at 117 and 118/120. I have a reconsideration request in for two months from the past where my new servicer put me in an admin forbearance when my loans switched to them that was escalated so I have my fingers crossed. I did make one payment that I hope will be payment 119/120.

I called Mohela after I received a letter telling me that I did not recertify and was being put on a standard payment plan and my payment would increase. This Mohela rep stated that the letter went out automatically because my IDR renewal wasn't completed but she assured me I was in a processing forbearance. Then she dropped a bombshell, she stated that I HAVE TO call back approximately two weeks before the processing forbearance ends and request an extension. This rep advised me against paying ahead because if my new payment is more the payment I made it won't count until the full amount is paid. They may consider that month a partial payment. She advised for me to just request a processing extension and that should cover my last two months. She said she would put it in my notes that she advised me to call back for processing extension and that she personally has handled requests.

Considering all the misinformation and direct contradictions that Mohela and Student Aid have given to all the borrowers I have questions. Had anyone asked or received a processing forbearance extension?

P.S I also feel like if you are 4 months away from being done with your loans they should let you finish instead of delaying the processing by taking at least 90 days to recertify your plans.