Debt that doesn’t go away

“My husband and I didn’t get one. he had taken out a student loan some years previous and due to a job loss had to put it on deferment. Except they never deferred the payment. It went into default and Uncle Sam Garnishes his wages and takes OUR tax returns/Stimulus checks. Also, when we call for a balance, it seems the payments are never applied…the balance goes up even after paying over 400$ monthly and 3500 in Rebates and the supposed stimulus check…where is that money going? “

Lori, 34, Office Manager
Baltimore, MD