All articles in Student Loan Repayment
Every guide we've published on federal student loan repayment — the plans, the math, the servicers, and what's changing in 2026. Search the index, pick a situation, or browse the full archive.
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The plans
If you're picking a plan for the first time, or recertifying — start here.01Income-Driven Repayment Plans in 2026: Which Plans Exist, Which Are Ending, and How to ChooseIDR plans changed under the OBBBA. See which income-driven repayment plans exist in 2026, which are ending, and how to choose between IBR and RAP.Mar 20268 min02Income-Based Repayment (IBR): How It Works, Who Qualifies, and What ChangedIBR sets your payment at 10–15% of discretionary income. No income cap, no hardship test. Here's how it works, who qualifies, and what changed.Mar 20269 min03Pay As You Earn (PAYE): How It Works, Eligibility & What's ChangingPAYE caps federal student loan payments at 10% of discretionary income with forgiveness after 20 years. Learn eligibility, how it works, and what's changing.Apr 20266 min04What is the Repayment Assistance PlanLearn how the new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) changes federal student loan repayment starting July 1, 2026. Understand payment calculations, pros and cons,Jul 20256 min05SAVE Plan Blocked: Impact on Your Student Loan RepaymentSAVE Plan litigation updates have left borrowers stuck. See what’s happening, what’s at risk, and how to make the best repayment move now.Feb 20258 min06SAVE Plan: Lower Payments, Faster Forgiveness, Brighter FutureExplore the SAVE Plan, a new student loan repayment initiative. Learn about its features, cost, application process, and potential legal battles.May 202417 min07Is the SAVE Plan Worth It? Not For High EarnersIs the SAVE Plan worth it for high earners? Uncover the benefits and pitfalls with our in-depth guide before you decide to enroll!May 202413 min08SAVE Plan Income Limits: What It Is and How It WorksUnderstand the SAVE Plan income limits and learn strategies to lower your monthly payments under this new income-driven repayment plan.May 20247 min09Is SAVE and IDR the Same?The Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan, launched in August 2023, is a new income-driven repayment (IDR) plan for federal student loan borrowers. While SAVE is an IDR plan, it is not the same as other IDR plans the Department of Education offers such as:May 20249 min10Income-Contingent Repayment: Who It’s Best ForLearn how Income-Contingent Repayment plans work, who qualifies, and how they can help you manage student loans and achieve forgiveness.Dec 202411 min11IBR vs ICR: Which Repayment Plan Saves You the Most Money?Confused about IBR vs. ICR? Compare these student loan repayment plans, learn which suits you best, and find quick answers to save money.Jan 20257 min12Pros and Cons of Income-Driven Repayment PlansIDR plans offer affordable monthly payments and wipe out whatever balance remains after you’ve made payments for 20-25 years. There are drawbacks, though.Dec 202210 min13What Is the Income Limit for Income Driven Repayment Plan? No Strict Capoffer relief for federal student loan borrowers by adjusting monthly payments based on income and family size. While there’s no strict income limit that disqualifies borrowers from IDR plans, income determines eligibility for certain plans and payment amounts.Jun 202411 min14IDR Plans and High Earners: What You Need to KnowHigh earners get penalized under Income-driven repayment—and if SAVE goes away, the stakes get even higher. Learn how to protect yourself now.Dec 202416 min15Federal Student Loan Repayment Plans in 2026: What Changed and How to ChooseFederal student loan repayment plans changed in 2026. SAVE is dead, RAP and Tiered Standard launch July 1. Here's every active plan and how to choose.Mar 202610 min16Standard Repayment Plan: How It Works and If It’s Right for YouLearn how the Standard Repayment Plan works for student loans and find out if it’s the best option for paying off your debt quickly and affordably.Oct 20248 min17How to Apply for the Graduated Repayment Plan for Federal LoansLearn how to apply for the Graduated Repayment Plan to lower your student loan payments. Find out eligibility requirements and the steps to get started.Oct 202411 min18Income-Based Repayment (IBR): How It Works, Who Qualifies, and What ChangedIBR sets your payment at 10–15% of discretionary income. No income cap, no hardship test. Here's how it works, who qualifies, and what changed.Mar 20269 min19Income-Driven Repayment Plan Request Mailing AddressesThe easiest way to apply for income-driven repayment is on the Federal Student Aid site, StudentAid.gov. After you log in with your FSA Id, you’ll be able to complete the IDR application. You’ll also be able to use the IRS’s data retrieval tool to pull the adjusted gross income fDec 20225 min20Student Loan Repayment FAQs: All Your Questions AnsweredGet straightforward answers to your student loan questions, including the SAVE Plan lawsuit, repayment options, forgiveness programs, and more.Dec 20249 min21Does Social Security Count as Income for Student Loan Repayment?Discover whether Social Security counts as income for student loan repayment. Understand your options and make informed financial decisions.Mar 20254 min
Changing your plan
The mechanics of switching plans, consolidating, or starting over — without losing forgiveness progress.01Should You Switch IDR Plans in 2026?SAVE is gone. PAYE and ICR sunset in 2028. Learn when to switch IDR plans, how switching affects forgiveness and PSLF, and how to apply.Apr 20265 min02What Happens to IBR and SAVE Borrowers When RAP StartsRAP launches in 2026 but IBR stays open. Learn what happens to IBR, SAVE, PAYE, and ICR borrowers and how your forgiveness progress carries over.Mar 20265 min03PAYE vs IBR: Differences, Which Is Better, and What to Do Before 2028PAYE and IBR look the same for most borrowers. Here's what's actually different — and why it matters before PAYE sunsets in 2028.Mar 202610 min04IBR vs RAP: Which Student Loan Repayment Plan Is Better for You?Compare IBR and RAP to see which repayment plan fits you best. Learn how payments, forgiveness timelines, and interest rules differ.Oct 20254 min05Married Filing Separately for Student Loans: When It Lowers Your Payment (and When It Doesn't)Filing separately can cut your IDR payment in half — but costs you tax credits and deductions. Plan-by-plan breakdown, tax tradeoff, and when the math works.Mar 20268 min06How Do I Change My Student Loan Repayment Plan?Changing your federal student loan repayment plan is currently more complex due to recent legal challenges. Here’s what you need to know:Aug 20248 min07How to Change Your Student Loan Repayment PlanHow to Change PlansPlan OptionsBottom LineOct 20225 min08PAYE vs RAP: How They Compare and When to SwitchPAYE caps payments and forgives in 20 years. RAP has no cap and takes 30. Here's how to decide — and what to do before PAYE ends.Mar 20268 min
When the bill is a problem
Lower the payment, pause the bill, or stop the interest from compounding.01Why Did My Federal Student Loan Payment Increase?Federal student loan payment went up? Common causes include SAVE plan changes, recertification, and servicer errors — plus what to do next.Mar 20268 min02How Many Forbearances Are Allowed for Student Loans?How many forbearances are you allowed? Federal student loan forbearance is capped at 3 years, but other types have different rules. Here’s what you need to knoJan 20257 min03Student Loans and Maternity Leave: Options Before and After BabyNo automatic pause on student loans during maternity leave, but deferment, forbearance, and IDR recertification can lower or stop payments. Here are your optionMar 20264 min04Income-Based Repayment Too High? Here’s What to DoIf your IBR payment feels too high, learn why it might be higher than expected and how to lower it. Explore options to avoid delinquency.Jan 20259 min05Can’t Pay Your Student Loans? Here’s What You Need to DoKnowing you can’t afford to pay your student loans can be demoralizing. You want to pay, but all the options from your loan servicer or lender seem impossibly expensive. It’s like they don’t understand your personal financial situation, your cost of living, or where you are in yoAug 20249 min066 Effective Ways to Lower Student Loan PaymentsExplore 6 proven strategies to lower your student loan payments. From federal to private loans, find your optimal solution here.Jun 20237 min07What “Significant Change in Income” Means for Income-Driven RepaymentThe income-driven repayment plan regulations don’t define “significant change in income”. Neither does the IDR application. Instead, the current version of the application asks “has your income significantly decreased since you filed your last tax return?” After that, it providesMay 20223 min08How Do You Pay a Student Loan When Self Employed?Paying your student loans when you’re self-employed can be challenging. Your income isn’t predictable, but the payment demands from your loan servicer are. So what do you do?May 20227 min09How Doctors Pay Off Med School Debt: 4 Repayment PathsDiscover four ways doctors repay med school debt using IDR and forgiveness, refinancing, employer help, or consolidation based on income and goals.Jul 20256 min10What Happens to Student Loans If You Move AbroadMoving abroad doesn’t erase U.S. student loans. Learn how repayment, default, and collection actually work when you live outside the United States.Jan 20266 min11What Happens to Student Loans When Income Certification Lapses AbroadMissing income certification while living abroad does not erase student loans, but it can trigger payment recalculation and delinquency. Here’s how the processJan 20263 min
Servicers
Who handles your loans, what changed, and how to navigate a transfer.01Student Loan Servicers: Who They Are and What They DoA student loan servicer is a company that processes your payments over the life of the loan, helps you enroll in a repayment plan, reviews your eligibility for loan forgiveness and discharge programs, and answers any questions that come up. The US Department of Education typicallMay 20228 min02Aidvantage Student Loans: Repayment Options, Forgiveness & SupportManage your student loans effectively with Aidvantage. Explore repayment options, understand forgiveness programs, and steps to access your federal loans.Nov 202412 min03Ascendium: Student Loan Forgiveness & Repayment OptionsIn this post, I’ll explain wh Ascendium Education Solutions is and what they have to do with your student loans.May 20222 min04FedLoan Servicing: What Happened and What You Need to KnowFedLoan Servicing stopped handling federal loans in 2022, impacting millions of borrowers. Here’s what happened, who took over, and what to expect next.Jan 20256 min05MOHELA Student Loans: Forgiveness & Repayment Options MOHELA services federal and private student loans for the Education Department and other lenders like SoFi and Laurel Road. Find what type of loans you have and options to lower payments and forgive the balance by checking your online account.May 20227 min06MOHELA Federal Student Loan Transfer: What Borrowers Need to KnowLearn what the MOHELA federal student loan transfer means for borrowers, what can go wrong, and how to protect your payment history.Aug 20256 min07MOHELA: Why Are My Student Loans in Forbearance?Your MOHELA student loans are suddenly in forbearance due to a federal court order affecting the Saving on a Valuable Education Plan. This isn’t a typical forbearance you might request for financial hardship. It’s an automatic administrative action taken by MOHELA, at the directiAug 20246 min08Is Navient a Federal or Private Student Loan?Is Navient federal or private? See how to check your loan type, what it means for forgiveness or settlement, and where to manage your payments now.Nov 20252 min09Navient to MOHELA: What the Student Loan Transfer Means for YouNavient moved most student loans to MOHELA and Aidvantage in 2022. Learn what that transfer means for your loan type, forgiveness, and repayment options.Nov 20253 min10Student Loan Account Closed Due to Transfer: What It Means for Your Credit ScoreWhat does account closed due to transfer mean for student loans?Why did my student loan get transferred?Do closed student loan accounts affect credit score?Difference between a “transferred” account and “closed” account statusMay 20224 min11Qualified Written Requests For Student Loans [California]Learn how California’s Qualified Written Request (QWR) can force your loan servicer to fix errors or respond. No lawyer or legal jargon required.Jun 20258 min
Forbearance & deferment
When you need to pause — what qualifies, what it costs, and how long it lasts.01Can’t Pay Your Loans? Consider Forbearance or DefermentWhat is forbearance?What is deferment?Who qualifies for deferment?Forbearance vs. DefermentPrivate loan forbearanceCOVID-19 and student loansOther options when you can’t pay student loansWant someone in your corner?May 202210 min02What is Student Loan Forbearance? Will it Hurt Credit? [2023 Update]You must meet certain criteria to be approved for forbearance, including applying _before_ your student loan goes into default (270 days without paying).Dec 202210 min03Why Is My Student Loan In Administrative Forbearance?Administrative forbearance is a temporary pause on your student loan payments, typically initiated by your loan servicer or the government. If you’ve recently noticed that your student loan is in administrative forbearance, it’s likely because you are enrolled in the SAVE Plan.Aug 20248 min04Awaiting Form Administrative Forbearance: What It MeansGet clarity on administrative forbearance, how it pauses payments, what happens with interest, and how it affects your path to loan forgiveness.Jan 20259 min05SAVE Plan Forbearance – What It Means for BorrowersSAVE Plan forbearance offers payment relief and prevents interest accrual. Learn how legal developments may impact your student loan repayment timeline.Sep 20248 min06When is Forbearance Over?Wondering when forbearance is over? Get clear answers on timelines, repayment options, and how to stay on track to win forbearance challenges.Jan 20256 min
Consolidation
Combining federal loans into one — when it helps, when it hurts, and how to apply.01What is Student Loan Consolidation, and How Do I Apply?3 Benefits to Consolidation2 Downsides to Student Loan ConsolidationEligible Loans to ConsolidateDoes it cost to consolidate student loans?How to consolidate student loansHow long does a student loan consolidation take?Consolidating student loans more than onceAverage interest raMay 202212 min02Consolidate an FFELP Loan to a Direct Loan: How to Do ItUsually, consolidation involves risks, like losing previously earned PSLF and repayment plan forgiveness credit. But the federal government has waived this penalty for those who consolidate before the end of 2023.Mar 20236 min03How Many Times Can You Consolidate Student Loans?There are a handful of times where student loans can be consolidated twice.May 20225 min04Does Student Loan Consolidation Affect Your Credit Score?Are you thinking about consolidating your student loans but worried about how it might affect your credit score?Jun 20235 min05Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act: A Guide for BorrowersLearn the ins and outs of the JCLSA and how it reshapes the student loan landscape, offering relief to borrowers entangled in joint loans.May 20237 min06Do You Have to Consolidate Loans to Enroll in SAVE?What It IsEligibility RequirementsBottom LineMay 20246 min07IDR Loan Consolidation Plans ClosedIDR loan consolidation plans are closed, leaving borrowers stuck. Find out why, how long the freeze may last, and what you can do now.Feb 20256 min
Marriage & family
How marriage, divorce, dependents, and filing status change your payment.01Am I Responsible for My Spouse’s Student Loan Debt?Marriage doesn't automatically make you responsible for your spouse's student loan debt — even if you live in a community property state.May 20224 min02Does Spouse Income Count for Student Loan Repayment? | IDR ExplainedYour spouse's income counts for IDR if you file jointly. IBR, PAYE, and ICR let you exclude it by filing separately. Here's how each plan works.Mar 20264 min03Marriage and Student Loans: Forgiveness and Repayment OptionsYou’re getting married, and student loans are coming along for the ride. As you start your life together, you may wonder:Jun 202414 min04Married Filing Separately for Student Loans: When It Lowers Your Payment (and When It Doesn't)Filing separately can cut your IDR payment in half — but costs you tax credits and deductions. Plan-by-plan breakdown, tax tradeoff, and when the math works.Mar 20268 min05Marriage Penalty in the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), ExplainedDiscover how the new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) affects married borrowers' payments. Understand the financial impact of filing jointly vs. separately.Jul 20255 min06Student Loan Interest Deduction: Filing Separately vs. JointlyKey TakeawaysOverviewMFS and Student Loan DeductionMaximum Deduction AmountIncome Thresholds for DeductionJoint vs. Separate SavingsMaximizing Deduction StrategiesLong-Term Financial ImpactReal-Life ExamplesBottom LineJun 20248 min07Student Loans & Divorce: All Your Questions, AnsweredWhat happens to student loans in a divorce?Who pays student loans in divorce?How to split student loans in divorce?I paid off my spouse’s student loan debt. Now we’re divorcing. What next?The TakeawayMay 20225 min08Does Having a Child Reduce Student Loan Payments? It CanAs a student loan borrower, you might wonder if having a child can help reduce your monthly payments. The answer is yes, but only if you’re on an income-driven repayment plan.Jun 20249 min09Filing Taxes With Student Loans: The Comprehensive GuideHowever, scholarship or fellowship money used on room and board, research, travel, or optional equipment _does_ count as taxable income.May 20227 min10Foreign Earned Income Exclusion & Student Loans: How it WorksThe Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) is a U.S. tax rule that lets Americans living and working abroad exclude up to $126,500 of their foreign-earned income from federal taxes in 2024. By lowering your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) — the number the IRS uses to figure out how mDec 20249 min
Credit & housing
Student loans and your credit score, mortgage approval, and home buying.01Do Student Loans Affect Your Credit Score?Student loans impact credit through payment history, delinquencies, and refinancing — timely guidance for 2025 borrowers.Mar 20233 min02Can You Buy a House with $100k (or more) in Student Loans? Yes!Learn how to manage $100k (or more) student loans while buying a house. Explore loan options, budgeting strategies, and success stories.May 202312 min03Can You Buy a House with Student Loans?Explore how student loans impact home buying, from affecting your credit score to shaping your debt-to-income ratio. Navigate your path to homeownership.Sep 202410 min04Guide to Buying a House with Student Loans in DefermentDon't let deferred student loans hold you back. Discover how to buy a house with student loans in deferment with ease.May 202312 min05Income-Driven Repayment and Mortgages: How Lenders Count Your Student Loan PaymentOn an income-driven plan and buying a house? See how Fannie, Freddie, FHA, VA, and USDA count your IBR payment — even $0 — for DTI, updated for 2026.Jun 20267 min06Mortgage Denied Due to Student Loans? Here’s What to DoExplore the impact of student loans on homeownership, updated lending guidelines, and 2023 housing market trends. Get your personalized plan.May 20238 min07Student Loans and Debt-to-Income Ratio: What You Need to KnowAre you juggling student loan payments while dreaming of homeownership? You’re not alone. Whether you’re carrying $10,000 or $200,000 in student debt, the question looms large: Do student loans count towards DTI (debt-to-income ratio) when buying a house?Sep 20248 min08Parent PLUS Loans: Your Options Before the June 30, 2026 DeadlineParent PLUS borrowers must consolidate by June 30, 2026 to keep income-driven repayment and forgiveness. Compare your options here.Mar 20266 min09Should I Consolidate My Student Loans Before Applying for a Mortgage?Uncover the pros and cons of student loan consolidation before buying a house. Learn about alternatives and personal finance considerations.Sep 20248 min10FHA Student Loan Guidelines & Income-Based Repayment [2025]Confused by FHA student loan guidelines for income-based repayment? Learn how these rules impact your DTI ratio and what you can do to qualify for a home.Dec 20248 min11Will My Credit Score Drop After Paying Off Student LoansPaying off student loans may cause a small credit score dip, but it’s temporary and outweighed by long-term financial benefits.Sep 20252 min12How to Write a Student Loan Goodwill Letter for Late Payment RemovalWriting a goodwill letter for student loan late payment removal is a straightforward process, but it requires careful preparation. Here’s what student loan borrowers need to do:Aug 20248 min
Policy changes
New laws and deadlines that affect your repayment strategy.01Big Beautiful Bill Student Loan Changes: What the Law DoesThe Big Beautiful Bill restructures student loan repayment, borrowing limits, and forgiveness starting July 2026. Here's what the law changes.Mar 20263 min02Student Loan Changes on July 1, 2026: What Borrowers Need to DoMultiple student loan programs change on July 1, 2026. RAP launches, Grad PLUS ends, Parent PLUS consolidation closes, and PSLF employer rules tighten. Here's wMar 20268 min03Extended Graduated Repayment: Eligibility & 2026 RulesLower your monthly payment by stretching your term. See the new 2026 \"New Borrower\" rules, the $30k debt requirement, and if the cost is worth it.Nov 20255 min
Loan basics
Interest, balances, account numbers, and how repayment works at a fundamental level.01How Long Do Student Loans Last? 10-30 YearsStudent loans last 10-30 years, but how long you'll be in repayment depends on which repayment plan you choose. Here's how to find the best one for you.Dec 20224 min02Does Student Loan Interest Compound? Understanding the Impact on Your Loan BalanceFederal student loan interest and many private student loan interest accrue daily and compound monthly. But specific loan terms may vary, so you’ll need to review the loan agreement for exact compounding frequency.Apr 202310 min03Interest Capitalization: The Hidden Factor Increasing Your Student Loan BalanceDiscover the impact of interest capitalization on your student loan balance and learn effective strategies to reduce its effects and manage your debt.Apr 202312 min04Student Loan Balance Says Zero? Here’s WhyYou check your credit report, and your student loan balance says zero. Or maybe your loan was closed. Or, even better, the loans disappeared completely. Whatever it says, you get excited because you hope it means you’re free from the debt that followed you for years. I hate to brFeb 20237 min05How to Check on Student Loans & Your BalanceHow to check on student loansHow do I discover where all my student loans are?Things to do after you find your loansMar 20237 min06How to Find Your Student Loan Account NumberThere are two ways to find your student loan account number:May 20225 min07National Student Loan Database — How to View Student LoansYou can view your federal student loans by logging into studentaid.gov with your Federal Student Aid ID. Previously, you could view your federal student loans using the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). But that changed in the past year. Now, the U.S. Department of EducaOct 20224 min08Student Loan Payment Chart: Plan, Budget, and SaveUse a student loan payment chart to see your monthly payments, track interest, and find ways to pay off debt faster. See how much you’ll owe and save.Mar 202510 min09What to Know About Paying Off Your Student LoansLearn effective ways to pay off student loans faster, timing options, and how early payoff can save on interest and support financial freedom.Oct 20249 min10How to Reduce Your Student Loan DebtExplore practical tips and strategies to effectively manage student loan debt, from extra payments to refinancing and loan forgiveness.Jun 20238 min11What were Perkins loans? Are they still available?What It IsCOVID-19 FreezeServicersEligibilityDeath of Perkins LoansLower PaymentsLoan ForgivenessCurrent Loan ProgramsPerkins vs. Stafford loansBottom LineOct 20229 min
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