I have some loans in the grace period at the moment so when do I have to begin repayment of my consolidation loan?
You will not have to begin making payments on your new Direct Consolidation Loan until closer to the end of the grace period on your current loans.
I have a Federal Perkins Loan, can this loan be included in a consolidation loan?
Yes that is one of the loans that can be included in your consolidation loan.