There are two ways to get out of default on federal loans. Assuming you are talking about federal student loans and not private loans. One is you can consolidate through the Direct Lending program. The second is that you can arrange through your lender to set up a satisfactory repayment plan to rehabilitate your federal loans. You have to make 12 consecutive on-time monthly payments to rehab your loans.

If you are in default on private loans you are at the mercy of the lender and their collections department. Good luck with that situation. If it is federal the loan company is going to work with you. They have no other option. If you send them money they will apply it toward your balance, but your best bet is to work out one of the two above options.