Walk down the tree. Each answer drops you one step. At the bottom, your path.
Last verified October 17, 2026 · Next review October 31, 2026
PSLF = government, nonprofit, or qualifying healthcare employment + 120 qualifying monthly payments → tax-free loan forgiveness.
Includes Parent PLUS loans you took out for your kid, Parent PLUS loans you've already consolidated, and any loans you've taken on from a parent.
Check on studentaid.gov → "My Aid" → loan details for the disbursement date.
Look at your Standard Plan monthly payment vs. your monthly income. If Standard is comfortably under 10% of your income, you're a "higher earner" case.
If you have private loans, this guide doesn't apply — call your private lender for repayment options.
If you have federal loans but you're not on SAVE, you may still be affected by the broader 2026 IDR changes (PAYE/ICR closing, RAP launching). Read the deadline section of the playbook for context.
Your situation: government, nonprofit, or qualifying healthcare worker pursuing the 10-year forgiveness clock.
IBR vs. RAP for PSLF: RAP also qualifies for PSLF — payments count toward your 120. IBR is still the better default for most: it counts more dependents in its payment formula, and months paid on RAP do not count toward IBR's forgiveness clock if you switch back (the one-way rule). Start on IBR: you can move to RAP later without losing credit, but going RAP-first and switching back forfeits every RAP month. Note: any new federal loan after July 1, 2026 permanently removes IBR access. Keep your options open — start on IBR.
The DoE's proposed rule to disqualify employers with a "substantial illegal purpose" was vacated by two federal courts on June 30, 2026 — it never took effect. PSLF employer eligibility is governed by the pre-existing rules: government agencies, public schools, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and qualifying healthcare employers remain eligible. No employer has been disqualified.
⚠ The June 30, 2026 consolidation disbursement deadline has passed. Read both scenarios below.
If yes — you secured IDR access. Complete the ICR-then-IBR sequence before June 30, 2028 (when ICR sunsets permanently):
If you also have your own loans: the order of plan elections matters. Contact TISLA (free) before making changes.
If no — your consolidation did not disburse by June 30:
IBR, ICR, and RAP are permanently unavailable for those loans. No administrative appeal or servicer workaround exists. PSLF is also permanently off the table. Your options are Standard (10-year), Extended (up to 25 years, requires $30,000+), or Graduated repayment. Get free help from TISLA or Student Loan Borrower Assistance if payments will be unaffordable.
Your situation: first federal student loan disbursed before July 1, 2014. No PSLF. No Parent PLUS.
One-way rule: if you start on RAP and later switch to IBR, the months you paid under RAP don't count toward IBR forgiveness — but IBR months do count toward RAP. If the simulator result is close, starting on IBR keeps your options open.
Your situation: post-July 2014 borrower, higher AGI relative to balance. No PSLF. No Parent PLUS.
One-way rule: if you start on RAP and later switch to IBR, the months you paid under RAP don't count toward IBR forgiveness — but IBR months do count toward RAP. For a higher earner this reinforces starting on IBR: you keep every option open.
Your situation: post-July 2014 borrower, lower or moderate AGI. No PSLF. No Parent PLUS.
One-way rule: if you start on RAP and later switch to IBR, the months you paid under RAP don't count toward IBR forgiveness — but IBR months do count toward RAP. The math is closest for this group, so this matters: if it's a coin-flip, starting on IBR keeps the door open both ways.
What's at stake: the wrong choice between IBR and RAP can cost thousands over the life of the loan. The simulator output is the truth — trust it over guidance.