I have been trying for almost a year to get into an affordable repayment plan with my private student loan servicer, Navient. First I tried an interest only plan, but even that was almost $ XXXX/month, on top of the $ XXXX/month I have to pay on my government IBR plan. After multiple attempts at contact ( often having to wait on hold for extended periods of time and being transferred to multiple different people ), I was finally advised that I MAY be eligible for an alternative payment plan ( no details on what that means have ever been given ). I was sent documents asking for my personal financial information, as well as the personal financial information of my co-signers. When I asked my co-signers to complete the forms for my financial assistance application to Navient, they asked why the servicer needed their information to determine whether or not I was able to afford MY monthly payments. I again contacted Navient and conveyed my co-signers confusion. I was advised that, if my co-signers financial information showed that THEY could afford my current monthly payment, my application for a lower alternative payment plan would be denied and they would simply collect from my co-signer after I was forced into default. This is exactly what they and I both feared. While we understand that a co-signer is equally responsible for the full amount of the debt, the co-signer is only supposed to be collected upon if I disappear or otherwise refuse to pay my debt. The lender should not force me into default just so they can collect the higher payments from someone who was doing me a favor to further my education. I am trying to work with Navient in good faith to establish a payment schedule I can afford. Their callous disregard and refusal to work with borrowers who want to repay their debt is unfair and abusive to both borrowers and their co-signers. I only have two months of forbearance left and I fear my co-signers and I will end up facing negative consequences if Navient is not forced by the CFPB to act ethically.