Forgiveness
Public Service Loan Forgiveness: The 2026 PSLF Guide
Current PSLF rules for 120 qualifying months, Direct Loans, 30-hour employment, RAP, legacy plans, consolidation credit, and federal tax treatment.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness discharges the remaining balance on eligible nondefaulted Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments while the borrower has qualifying public-service employment. The borrower generally must average at least 30 hours per week with one or more qualifying employers during the credited month.
Repayment plans after July 1, 2026
On-time RAP payments qualify for PSLF. Tiered Standard does not qualify. Payments under eligible income-contingent plans can qualify only through June 30, 2028 under the transition rule. Other qualifying-plan rules remain loan- and date-specific, so borrowers should confirm each month in StudentAid.gov.
Forms, counts, and consolidation
Use the PSLF Employer Search and PSLF Help Tool on StudentAid.gov, submit employment certification regularly, and review the payment history shown there. A new Direct Consolidation Loan receives weighted qualifying-payment credit under current rules rather than an automatic reset to zero. PSLF discharge is excluded from federal gross income, although state law should be checked separately.
Frequently asked questions
How many payments are required for PSLF?
PSLF requires 120 qualifying monthly payments. The months do not have to be consecutive, but every credited month must satisfy the applicable loan, plan, and employment rules.
Do RAP and Tiered Standard count for PSLF?
On-time RAP payments qualify. Tiered Standard payments do not qualify for PSLF.