How do I apply for student loan forgiveness?

There are many different paths to loan forgiveness. These paths include several programs that directly target specific groups of borrowers. While most borrowers won’t qualify for forgiveness, it’s worth investigating.

The Ruling Against Student Loan Debt Relief

In July 2023, the US Supreme Court ruled against the Biden-Harris one-time student loan debt relief plan. This program would have forgiven up to $20,000 in debt for many borrowers (earning less than $120,000). Due to the Court’s decision, the plan cannot move forward.

This page covers three of the most popular loan forgiveness programs, but there are many more. StudentAid.gov provides a useful guide to help you quickly determine if you are eligible for any of the programs.

Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Plans

If you successfully complete an IDR Repayment plan, you can have any remaining debt forgiven. For most IDR plans, the repayment period is 20 or 25 years. Some forgiveness programs require you to be enrolled in IDR to pursue them. Learn more about IDR plans here.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

PSLF is the most popular loan forgiveness program. It’s available to full-time workers employed by a government (local, state, tribal, or U.S. federal) and certain non-profit organizations. Loan forgiveness through PSLF is neither immediate nor automatic. You must work at least 10 years for a qualifying organization while making monthly student loan payments under a qualifying repayment plan such as IDR. The program has additional eligibility rules and an application process you must complete. Get more details at StudentAid.gov.

What counts as a government employer for the PSLF Program?

Any U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government agency includes employers such as the U.S. military, public elementary and secondary schools, public colleges and universities, public child and family service agencies, and special governmental districts. A government contractor isn’t considered a government employer. Use the PSLF Help Tool to determine if your employer qualifies.

Teacher Loan Forgiveness

This is another popular program. Teachers who work at a “low-income school or educational service agency” for five years may be eligible for up to $17,500 of loan forgiveness. Instructors at public elementary, middle school, and high schools should investigate this program. Teachers at public charter schools may also be eligible if they meet certain requirements. You can find all the details here.

To see if a school you’ve taught at is available for Teacher Loan Forgiveness, search the Teacher Cancellation Low Income (TCLI) Directory. If your school was only on the list for part of your tenure, you should still qualify for the program.

Teachers and PSLF

Teachers may be eligible for both PSLF and Teacher Loan Forgiveness, as well as other loan or state-specific programs. However, they can’t be earned at the same time. The programs must be completed consecutively. StudentAid.gov offers more insight in this article about the loan forgiveness program for teachers.

Questions about Other Loan Forgiveness Programs

While some programs are straightforward, others are confusing. If you think you qualify for one of the existing loan forgiveness programs and have questions, contact one of our Borrower Advocates for FREE, expert advice.