IDR
Income-Driven Repayment Plan Request
Best if your federal payment feels too high for your income. You submit income info and the Department sets a new, smaller monthly bill — and after 20–25 years, any remaining balance can be forgiven.
The forms you need, without the runaround.
Every current federal student-loan form — in plain language, with the official PDF one click away. Curated and reviewed by our team.
IDR
PSLF
PSLF
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Application
For teachers, nurses, government, and nonprofit employees who have worked in qualifying jobs for 10 years. Use this to apply for forgiveness once you reach 120 qualifying payments.
PSLF
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Employment Certification Form
File this every year or when you change jobs to confirm your employer qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Since 2021 the ECF and the PSLF forgiveness application are the same consolidated form.
PSLF
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Reconsideration Request
Use this when PSLF payment counts look wrong or an employer was denied. You explain what should be different; FSA re-reviews and replies in writing.
Consolidation
Consolidation
Direct Consolidation Loan Application
Helpful if you have several federal loans and want a single bill. Often required before you can qualify for IDR or PSLF on older loan types like FFELP or Perkins.
Forbearance
Forbearance
General Forbearance Request
Short-term relief if you can't make payments right now. Interest keeps building on all loans during the pause, so use forbearance briefly and switch to IDR or deferment if you qualify.
Deferment
Deferment
Cancer Treatment Deferment Request
If you are undergoing cancer treatment, your federal loans can be deferred. Interest does not accrue during this period, including for 6 months after treatment ends.
Deferment
Economic Hardship Deferment Request
For borrowers whose income falls below 150% of the federal poverty guideline for their family size, or who receive means-tested federal benefits. Available for up to 3 years total.
Deferment
In-School Deferment Request
If you returned to school after taking out loans and your servicer hasn't auto-paused payments, use this to request a deferment. Interest does not accrue on subsidized loans while enrolled.
Deferment
Military Service and Post-Active-Duty Student Deferment Request
For service members on active duty during a war, military operation, or national emergency. Interest does not accrue on eligible loans during the deferment period.
Deferment
Unemployment Deferment Request
Available for up to 3 years if you are actively seeking full-time work. Interest does not accrue on subsidized loans during unemployment deferment — that's why it's often cheaper than forbearance.
Disability
Disability
Total and Permanent Disability Discharge Application
Requires documentation from the VA, Social Security, or a physician. Approved applications wipe the remaining balance to zero and are administered by Nelnet.
Borrower Defense
Borrower Defense
Borrower Defense to Repayment Application
For students whose college lied about job placement, accreditation, or program quality. You explain what happened; the Department investigates and decides whether to discharge your federal loans.
Closed School
Closed School
Closed School Discharge Application
If your school shut down before you finished — or within 180 days of your withdrawal — your federal loans for that school can be canceled entirely.
Add Loans
Add Loans
Request to Add Loans to a Direct Consolidation Loan
If you took out a new federal loan after consolidating, you have 180 days to fold it in with this form — no need to start a new consolidation from scratch.
No forms match.
Try clearing filters or .