I'm 27 and my credit is terrible. I have a couple questions.

My TransUnion score is 522 and Equifax is 539. I have 3 accounts in collections which I'll be able to pay off fairly quickly as it's only around $500 in total.

My question is about closed accounts. I have closed accounts in the form of student loans from the Department of Education totaling in $3,513. On my credit report it says "Collection Account Student loan permanently assigned to government". Do I need to start paying these back, or since they're closed do I not have to? That may be a ridiculously stupid question, but I'm very new at this and just need a little guidance.

Thanks.