Struggling with high federal student loan payments? Income-driven repayment plans can significantly reduce your monthly payments based on your income and family size.
Choose from four federal income-driven repayment plans, each designed to make your student loan payments more manageable based on your income.
(IBR)
10% or 15% of discretionary income
20-25 years depending on when you borrowed
Partial financial hardship required
Borrowers with older loans who need lower payments and potential forgiveness
(PAYE)
10% of discretionary income
20 years
New borrowers on/after Oct 1, 2007 with partial hardship
New borrowers seeking the lowest possible payments with forgiveness
(REPAYE)
10% of discretionary income
20 years (undergrad) / 25 years (grad school)
No financial hardship requirement
Borrowers who don't qualify for other plans or want interest benefits
(ICR)
20% of discretionary income or 12-year payment
25 years
Available to all Direct Loan borrowers
Parent PLUS borrowers and those who don't qualify for other plans
| Plan | Payment % | Forgiveness | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBR | 10-15% | 20-25 years | Partial hardship |
| PAYE | 10% | 20 years | New borrower + hardship |
| REPAYE | 10% | 20-25 years | None |
| ICR | 20% | 25 years | None |
Use our free calculator to see how much you could save with each income-driven repayment plan. Get instant estimates for all four federal plans.
Note: These are estimated calculations for informational purposes only. Actual payments may vary based on loan servicer calculations and federal guidelines.
10-year repayment plan
10-15% of discretionary income
10% of discretionary income
10% of discretionary income
20% of discretionary income
Enter your loan details to see estimated monthly payments for each income-driven repayment plan.
Let our experienced team handle your income-driven repayment application from start to finish. We'll ensure you get the lowest possible payment.
We review your financial situation and recommend the best income-driven plan for your needs
We help gather all required income and family size documentation for your application
We complete and submit your application to ensure accuracy and maximize approval chances
Annual recertification reminders and support to maintain your reduced payments
Get your free payment calculation and see how much you could save with an income-driven repayment plan.
Most applications processed within 2-3 weeks
Free consultation with no obligation
Dedicated specialists to guide you through the process