There's been lots of back-and-forth on federal student loans, with policy shifts, legal challenges and administrative actions.

Experts and students said it's easy to feel overwhelmed, but despite mixed messages, payments are back for most borrowers, and staying informed is key.

Preston Cooper, Senior Fellow of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), said there have been eight federal loan pauses since 2020. Although payments have resumed, the recent developments and headlines can be confusing. 

"Borrowers have received, and are receiving, a lot of mixed messages about what exactly their obligations to their student loans are," Cooper said, "And the government needs to be clear right now that student loan payments are due again, that borrowers need to make payments or else they could fall delinquent. They could see impacts on their credit scores."

This week, there's been an announcement impacting married borrowers. They can file taxes separately and avoid having their spouse's income factored into income-driven repayment. That means no disruption for those who choose that route.

Meanwhile, the SAVE plan is still on hold in court. This leaves many borrowers who enrolled in SAVE in general forbearance with a zero percent interest pause, making it a good time to take advantage and pay down the principal.

"Even if they don't make their payments, they won't fall delinquent, consequences immediately," Cooper said, "But once we get a final ruling on the SAVE plan from the courts, those borrowers will have to go back into repayment."

All federal student loan borrowers can officially apply for a new income-driven repayment plan or recertify an IDR plan. This comes after IDR forms had been on a federal pause. 

Experts said borrowers should assess their situation, research the different repayment options and check due dates and important deadlines with their servicer.

Also, people can visit studentaid.gov for updates and information on their loans. 

Public Service Loan Forgiveness is still available and worth exploring for those who qualify.