Navigating the world of student loans can feel daunting, but understanding the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program might ease some of the burden. In light of recent developments, the Education Department has indicated plans to make certain waivers for the PSLF permanent. Regardless of these proposed changes, understanding the current qualifications is crucial.
Understanding Eligibility for PSLF
Only loans that are part of the federal direct loan program are eligible for PSLF. Unfortunately, private student loans do not qualify. However, Federal Family Education Loan loans or Perkins loans can be consolidated to become PSLF-eligible. Keep in mind that if you qualify for Perkins loan cancellation, it’s beneficial to pursue that option and not consolidate your Perkins loans.
Eligibility for PSLF hinges largely on your employer rather than your job. Qualifying employers include government organizations at all levels, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, or non-profit organizations providing qualifying public services.
Ensuring your employer qualifies requires completing an employment certification form and sending it to MOHELA Servicing, the contractor currently overseeing PSLF for the Education Department. It’s a good idea to submit this form annually or whenever you change jobs to stay on track for loan forgiveness.
Switching to an Income-Driven Repayment Plan
In the realm of qualifying payments, it’s worth noting that the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan holds its ground. However, if your sights are set on harnessing the power of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, a switch to an Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan is a necessary step. By adhering to the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan, your loans are expected to be fully repaid after you’ve diligently made 120 qualifying PSLF payments. Consequently, there won’t be any remaining balance to forgive.
Before embarking on the transition to an IDR plan, it’s crucial to grasp the implications it may have on your monthly payments. These plans hinge on your income and the outstanding amount you owe, which means that your payments could potentially increase. Thus, it’s imperative to weigh the pros and cons before committing to a new repayment strategy.
Making the Required Payments
To qualify for PSLF, you must make 120 monthly loan payments, which must be for the full amount due and on time. They need to be made while working full time for a qualifying employer and on a qualifying repayment plan. Notably, the payments do not need to be consecutive.
One question people often ask is “Can I qualify sooner by making higher monthly payments?” Paying extra won’t help you qualify for PSLF sooner. However, you may prepay or make lump-sum payments that would apply to future months for up to 12 months or when your next income-driven payment (IDR) plan is due.
For example, if you recertified your IDR and your monthly payment was $1,000 but you paid $12,000 for the first month’s payment, that payment would count as 12 separate payments for that year. You would not need to make another payment until the next 12-month cycle. These payments would count as qualifying payments toward PSLF forgiveness once you certified your eligible employment for the 12-month period.
Applying for Forgiveness
After you have made 120 qualifying payments and are still working full-time for a qualifying employer, you can apply for loan forgiveness. You need to submit the Public Service Loan Forgiveness application and an employment certification form for your current employer, as well as for any past employers you worked for while making the qualifying payments. You aren’t required to make further loan payments while your application is being processed.
What if You Don’t Qualify for PSLF?
If you don’t qualify for PSLF, there are still other paths to loan forgiveness or repayment options. You can consider other federal student loan forgiveness programs, stay on an income-driven repayment plan which will forgive the remaining balance after 20 or 25 years (though the forgiven amount is taxable), or consider refinancing your student loans.
Refinancing could potentially lower your interest rate and help you pay off your debt faster, but be aware that refinanced federal loans are no longer eligible for federal forgiveness programs or income-driven repayment.
Don’t Skip This!
Remember that while pursuing PSLF, it’s recommended to submit the PSLF and Temporary Expanded PSLF Certification & Application (PSLF Form) annually or each time you change employers to track your progress towards qualifying for loan forgiveness. After you’ve made 120 qualifying payments, any remaining balance will be forgiven and won’t be subject to income taxes.
