<p>Hello, I’m new to this site as well as the whole loan application/approval situation. </p>
<p>Three years ago I got sick and racked up a few medical bills that I couldn’t pay and still cannot too easily. Therefore, they’re now in collections. I was told by several people that paying them back after the damage has been done is practically throwing money away as it changed little and will go away in 7 years anyhow.</p>
<p>My question is whether having accounts in collections will affect my Stafford loan status in any way? I realize it’s not credit based but if they’re in collections is a stipulation that might matter. Thank you.</p>