Please understand that I am not a lawyer. I am a regular person with debt trouble like you. I don't think anyone can be arrested for owing a debt. There are no more debtor's prisons. From what I understand, student loans are different than a regular credit card or store charge card. Speaking from limited knowledge and "experience," (my brother defaulted on his student loans years ago), the loan holder eventually got a default judgement against him, and they started to attach any refunds he got from his tax return. My brother did start to pay them back and cleaned up his credit. I hope this helps. Anyone else want to jump in here? Good luck!!!!