True-until recently, a borrower could consolidate his or her loans under either the federal family education loan program (ffelp) or the federal direct loan program (fdlp). however, recent legislation has amended the law that governs federal student loans. specifically, the health care and education reconciliation act of 2010 requires that no new loans may be made under the ffelp; any stafford, plus, or consolidation loan first disbursed on or after july 1, 2010, must be made under the fdlp. all federal student loan consolidations have been appointed to be processed by direct loans.