Where you stand

Last verified Oct 17, 2026

You’re working toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness

You work full time for a government or qualifying nonprofit employer and want your Direct Loans forgiven after 120 qualifying payments.

1. 1 What you can pick

   • Qualifying: RAP, IBR, ICR and PAYE (until July 1, 2028), and the 10-year Standard plan.
   • Not qualifying: Tiered Standard, according to StudentAid.gov.
   • New loans on or after July 1, 2026 leave you RAP as the qualifying choice.

2. 2 What each costs

   Your payment depends on your income, household and balance. Compare the plans with your numbers

3. 3 What to do next

   • Avoid being placed in Tiered Standard by default if you are pursuing PSLF; StudentAid.gov recommends applying for a qualifying plan.
   • Under RAP, credit comes from on-time payments; RAP deferment or forbearance months don’t count and can’t be bought back.
   • Use the PSLF Help Tool on StudentAid.gov and certify employment each year and when you change jobs.

Read more

• PSLF and the new plans: what counts and what doesn't→
• The SAVE plan ended: your 90-day deadline and your options→
• RAP forgiveness after 30 years, and the tax question→

Not financial or legal advice. This page sums up the published rules for this situation. It can’t account for your full loan history; your servicer and StudentAid.gov have your actual record.

Official sources

1. Public Law 119-21 (H.R. 1, signed July 4, 2025), Title VIII, Secs. 81001–82004
2. 34 CFR 685.219, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (current eCFR)
3. StudentAid.gov: One Big Beautiful Bill Act – Important Definitions (updated Aug. 24, 2026)
4. StudentAid.gov: SAVE Plan Borrowers – FAQs About Choosing a Different Repayment Plan (October 2026)
5. U.S. Department of Education press release, March 27, 2026: next steps for SAVE borrowers
6. 34 CFR 685.209, income-driven repayment plans (current eCFR, as amended May 1, 2026)