settlement defaulted student loans

[phpanda.livejournal.com]

Have anyone successfully negotiate a lump sum settlement to avoid 18.5 or 30% collection fees for student Perkins/Stafford loans that have gone into default? I am amazed for not paying for one year that the interest rate has gone through the roof, payments cannot be income-based until out of rehab, and there are these incredible collection costs on the full principal.  Working two jobs but don't want to do this for 10 years+! Any tips?