I refinanced my around $55k of student loans from Navient to Commonbond/ Firstmark back in 2016, I made payments consistent had a high credit score, all was fine. Fast forward a few years later and I am struggling to keep my home out of foreclosure while dealing with a deadbeat alcoholic and abusive husband. We went from a successful 2 income household to just my income while having a small child. I am now divorced and the dust has settled, needless to say I ended up defaulting on my private student loans trying to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table.

I call Firstmark to try to get back in good standing, they say no and forward me to their collections department. Their collections department will not allow me to settle and does not allow me to pay online, I have to call in every time i want to make a payment and interest keeps accruing and did not ever pause because of Covid.

I contacted Yrefy which seemed promising to get back into good standing but they do not service NY state. At this point it has been in default about 2 years and unless I am able to settle really doubt I will ever be able to repay the full (now $60K) amount off being a full time single mom on one income with no child support. I would like to sell my house and downsize but cannot qualify to buy or rent anywhere because of my low credit score due to the defaulted student loan so I'm kinda stuck here. 

Do I just keep pressing the collections department to settle? will they eventually cave?