Updated: september 30, 2024
Student Loan Updates
What’s Happening with the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan?
How We Got Here
The SAVE Plan Is Currently Blocked:
Without getting too nerdy…
In July 2024, In July 2024, a court in Missouri ruled that the SAVE plan, which was designed to lower student loan payments, was created illegally. As a result, the court blocked the plan from being implemented.
This has caused confusion for the Department of Education and loan servicers, who now don’t know what to do next. The court essentially said the SAVE plan must be paused while the legal case plays out.
To make things worse, the Missouri court didn’t give clear instructions on what should happen in the meantime, leaving everyone — from the Biden administration to loan servicers — scrambling to find a solution.
In early August 2024, the Department of Education asked the Missouri court for clarification on the injunction (block), but the court refused to offer any further details.
Because of this, the Department of Education reached out to the Supreme Court, hoping they would step in and allow the SAVE plan to move forward during the legal battle.
However, at the end of August 2024, the Supreme Court denied this request, saying they expect the Missouri court to make a decision soon.
For now, the SAVE plan will remain blocked. While the ruling isn’t final, there’s a lot of uncertainty, and it may take some time before we know what will happen.
Check the SAVE Injunction Timeline section below for the next steps in this legal drama.
What Should I Do About My Student Loans Right Now?
👎 The SAVE IDR plan is currently BLOCKED!
The Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Income-Driven Repayment plan is currently blocked.
I’ll keep this website updated with more information as it becomes available.
In the meantime, feel free to explore the site to see how this may impact you.
👍 Enrolling or switching Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans is AVAILABLE (9/30/2024)!
As of September 30, 2024, online applications for IDR plans are available.
You can enroll or switch IDR plans through the Department of Education’s website.
Access the IDR Application here.
Please note: While you can submit your application, there is currently no confirmation on whether loan servicers are processing IDR applications. Updates may be available soon.
I will continue to provide the latest information. For updates, you can also visit the Department of Education’s website.
For details on SAVE Court Actions, click here.
👍 Student Loan Consolidation is AVAILABLE (9/30/2024)!
As of September 30, 2024, you can now submit online Direct Consolidation Loan applications through the Department of Education’s website.
Start your Consolidation application here.
Please note: While you can submit your application, there is currently no confirmation on whether loan servicers are processing IDR applications. Updates may be available soon.
I will continue to provide the latest information. For updates, you can also visit the Department of Education’s website.
For details on SAVE Court Actions, click here.
👍 Applying for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is AVAILABLE! However, expect significant delays...
The SAVE injunction does not impact Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) applications.
You can submit your PSLF Application or Employer Certification here.
However, if you’ve reached 120 qualifying payments, be aware that processing delays are possible, with some borrowers waiting up to 180 days for forgiveness.
I know this can be stressful, but hang in there — you’ve made it this far! You’ve got this!
How Does the SAVE Court Injunction Impact Me?
I am currently enrolled in the SAVE.
If you are enrolled in SAVE, your servicer should have automatically placed you in Interest-Free Forbearance:
☁️ What It Is: A period where you’re not required to make payments on your student loans.
☁️ Interest: Interest does not accrue on your loans (your loan balance does not grow).
☁️ PSLF/IDR Credit: Time in interest-free forbearance does not count towards PSLF or IDR forgiveness.
I am currently enrolled in the SAVE.
If you are enrolled in SAVE, your servicer should have automatically placed you in Interest-Free Forbearance:
☁️ What It Is: A period where you’re not required to make payments on your student loans.
☁️ Interest: Interest does not accrue on your loans (your loan balance does not grow).
☁️ PSLF/IDR Credit: Time in interest-free forbearance does not count towards PSLF or IDR forgiveness.
I tried to enroll in SAVE before it was blocked.
If you tried to enroll in SAVE before the court injunction, you might be stuck in “SAVE Limbo.” This could affect you if you are:
☁️ A Recent Graduate
☁️ Consolidating Your Student Loans
☁️ Switching IDR Plans
If you made changes to your student loans since early 2024, you likely are in this situation.
For instance, if you graduated in May 2024 and submitted a loan consolidation application or applied to enroll in SAVE with an IDR application, you could be impacted by this injunction.
What is Student Loan Consolidation?
Student loan consolidation combines multiple federal student loans into a single loan with one weighted average interest rate.
This process simplifies loan management and might give access to additional federal programs.
You can learn more about Student Loan Consolidation, here.
Why Does This Matter?
When you consolidate your loans, you need to enroll in an Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan. This involves a two-step process:
☁️ Loan Consolidation: Your loans are combined into one loan with a single interest rate.
☁️ IDR Plan Enrollment: After consolidation, your servicer assigns you to your chosen IDR plan. This step often takes a few months to complete.
How Does This Impact You?
If your consolidation is complete but you’re not enrolled in an IDR plan, you may be stuck in “SAVE Limbo,” with a large payment under the Standard Repayment plan. You can learn more about the Standard Repayment plan, here.
Action Required:
If you are facing this, call your servicer and request to be placed into forbearance. They will likely place you in General Forbearance:
☁️ What It Is: A period where you’re not required to make payments on your student loans.
☁️ Interest: Interest does accrue on your loans (your loan balance continues to grow).
☁️ PSLF/IDR Credit: Time in general forbearance does not count towards PSLF or IDR forgiveness.
A similar issue will occur if you tried to switch IDR plans since early 2024.
If you’re facing a large payment, call your servicer and request forbearance.
I tried to enroll in SAVE before it was blocked.
If you tried to enroll in SAVE before the court injunction, you might be stuck in “SAVE Limbo.” This could affect you if you are:
☁️ A Recent Graduate
☁️ Consolidating Your Student Loans
☁️ Switching IDR Plans
If you made changes to your student loans since early 2024, you likely are in this situation.
For instance, if you graduated in May 2024 and submitted a loan consolidation application or applied to enroll in SAVE with an IDR application, you could be impacted by this injunction.
What is Student Loan Consolidation?
Student loan consolidation combines multiple federal student loans into a single loan with one weighted average interest rate.
This process simplifies loan management and might give access to additional federal programs.
You can learn more about Student Loan Consolidation, here.
Why Does This Matter?
When you consolidate your loans, you need to enroll in an Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan. This involves a two-step process:
☁️ Loan Consolidation: Your loans are combined into one loan with a single interest rate.
☁️ IDR Plan Enrollment: After consolidation, your servicer assigns you to your chosen IDR plan. This step often takes a few months to complete.
How Does This Impact You?
If your consolidation is complete but you’re not enrolled in an IDR plan, you may be stuck in “SAVE Limbo,” with a large payment under the Standard Repayment plan. You can learn more about the Standard Repayment plan, here.
Action Required:
If you are facing this, call your servicer and request to be placed into forbearance. They will likely place you in General Forbearance:
☁️ What It Is: A period where you’re not required to make payments on your student loans.
☁️ Interest: Interest does accrue on your loans (your loan balance continues to grow).
☁️ PSLF/IDR Credit: Time in general forbearance does not count towards PSLF or IDR forgiveness.
A similar issue will occur if you tried to switch IDR plans since early 2024.
If you’re facing a large payment, call your servicer and request forbearance.
I am currently enrolled in IBR, ICR or PAYE.
There are several Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans besides SAVE, including:
☁️ Income-Based Repayment (IBR)
☁️ Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR)
☁️ Pay As You Earn (PAYE)
If you are on any of these plans, you are not directly affected by the SAVE injunction.
You should continue making your payments as scheduled.
If you’re pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or IDR forgiveness, your payments will still count towards forgiveness.
However, you cannot switch to a different IDR plan at this time due to the court’s ruling, but your current plan remains unaffected.
Even if you are certain you won’t pursue PSLF or IDR forgiveness, it’s important to consider the implications of refinancing your student loans.
I am currently enrolled in IBR, ICR or PAYE.
There are several Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans besides SAVE, including:
☁️ Income-Based Repayment (IBR)
☁️ Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR)
☁️ Pay As You Earn (PAYE)
If you are on any of these plans, you are not directly affected by the SAVE injunction.
You should continue making your payments as scheduled.
If you’re pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or IDR forgiveness, your payments will still count towards forgiveness.
However, you cannot switch to a different IDR plan at this time due to the court’s ruling, but your current plan remains unaffected.
Even if you are certain you won’t pursue PSLF or IDR forgiveness, it’s important to consider the implications of refinancing your student loans.
I am 100% sure I will not be pursuing PSLF or IDR forgiveness.
Always assume PSLF or IDR forgiveness is an option!
Even if you’re absolutely sure you won’t pursue Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) forgiveness, it’s usually best to keep your federal student loans in the federal system.
Federal loans come with valuable protections and repayment options that you’ll lose if you refinance.
These protections include flexible repayment plans, potential for future forgiveness, and borrower protections.
***DO NOT REFINANCE YOUR STUDENT LOANS (MOST LIKELY…)
Refinancing federal student loans with a private lender might seem appealing, but it’s a significant decision with long-term implications:
☁️ Loss of Federal Protections: Refinancing removes your loans from the federal system, stripping away all federal protections and benefits. This means no more access to flexible repayment plans, deferments, or forbearances.
☁️ No Converting Back: Once your federal loans are refinanced into a private loan, you cannot convert them back to federal status. If you later decide to pursue PSLF or IDR forgiveness, you’ll be stuck with your private loan terms.
☁️ Interest Rates: Private lenders might not offer a significantly lower interest rate compared to your current federal rate. Given the current interest rate environment, the benefits of refinancing might not outweigh the loss of federal protections.
☁️ Repayment Terms: Private loans usually have less flexible repayment options. Federal loans offer options to adjust your payments based on your income, which you lose with refinancing.
Have Questions About Refinancing?
At Dream Bigger Financial, we specialize in helping early-career physicians navigate these complexities. Contact us for personalized advice.
If you’re currently enrolled in the SAVE plan and know you won’t be pursuing forgiveness, you’re in a period of interest-free forbearance:
☁️ No Payments Required: During this time, you don’t need to make any payments on your loans. Your balance isn’t growing, so you can focus on other financial priorities without worrying about your student loans.
☁️ Reallocation of Funds: This forbearance period gives you a chance to reallocate the money you would have spent on student loans to other areas of your financial plan, such as savings, investments, or other debts.
If you’re in a situation where your loan consolidation or IDR application has you stuck in “SAVE Limbo,” here’s what you need to do:
☁️ Ensure General Forbearance: Confirm with your servicer that you’re in general forbearance. This prevents you from making unnecessary payments and ensures you’re not paying under an incorrect plan.
☁️ Interest Accrual: While in general forbearance, interest will still accrue, meaning your loan balance will increase. Assess whether making payments during this time makes sense for your financial situation or if you should wait until your IDR plan is properly processed.
I am 100% sure I will not be pursuing PSLF or IDR forgiveness.
Always assume PSLF or IDR forgiveness is an option!
Even if you’re absolutely sure you won’t pursue Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) forgiveness, it’s usually best to keep your federal student loans in the federal system.
Federal loans come with valuable protections and repayment options that you’ll lose if you refinance.
These protections include flexible repayment plans, potential for future forgiveness, and borrower protections.
***DO NOT REFINANCE YOUR STUDENT LOANS (MOST LIKELY…)
Refinancing federal student loans with a private lender might seem appealing, but it’s a significant decision with long-term implications:
☁️ Loss of Federal Protections: Refinancing removes your loans from the federal system, stripping away all federal protections and benefits. This means no more access to flexible repayment plans, deferments, or forbearances.
☁️ No Converting Back: Once your federal loans are refinanced into a private loan, you cannot convert them back to federal status. If you later decide to pursue PSLF or IDR forgiveness, you’ll be stuck with your private loan terms.
☁️ Interest Rates: Private lenders might not offer a significantly lower interest rate compared to your current federal rate. Given the current interest rate environment, the benefits of refinancing might not outweigh the loss of federal protections.
☁️ Repayment Terms: Private loans usually have less flexible repayment options. Federal loans offer options to adjust your payments based on your income, which you lose with refinancing.
Have Questions About Refinancing?
At Dream Bigger Financial, we specialize in helping early-career physicians navigate these complexities. Contact us for personalized advice.
If you’re currently enrolled in the SAVE plan and know you won’t be pursuing forgiveness, you’re in a period of interest-free forbearance:
☁️ No Payments Required: During this time, you don’t need to make any payments on your loans. Your balance isn’t growing, so you can focus on other financial priorities without worrying about your student loans.
☁️ Reallocation of Funds: This forbearance period gives you a chance to reallocate the money you would have spent on student loans to other areas of your financial plan, such as savings, investments, or other debts.
If you’re in a situation where your loan consolidation or IDR application has you stuck in “SAVE Limbo,” here’s what you need to do:
☁️ Ensure General Forbearance: Confirm with your servicer that you’re in general forbearance. This prevents you from making unnecessary payments and ensures you’re not paying under an incorrect plan.
☁️ Interest Accrual: While in general forbearance, interest will still accrue, meaning your loan balance will increase. Assess whether making payments during this time makes sense for your financial situation or if you should wait until your IDR plan is properly processed.
I’m a recent college graduate and need to enroll in an IDR Plan.
Your Situation is Currently Complicated
As a recent graduate, it’s understandable that you want to consolidate your student loans and enroll in an Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan.
Unfortunately, the current SAVE injunction has created significant delays and confusion. Here’s what you need to know:
Online Applications Are Currently Blocked
Due to recent legal challenges, the Department of Education has temporarily shut down online applications for loan consolidation and IDR plans.
This means you can’t complete these processes through the usual online portals.
PDF (Paper) Applications Are an Option, but…
You are allowed to submit a paper application for loan consolidation and IDR plans.
However, as of now, student loan servicers are not processing these applications.
This means that even if you send in your application, it may not be reviewed or acted upon until the situation changes.
So to Recap:
☁️ What You Need to Do: You want to consolidate your loans and enroll in an IDR plan, but right now, you can’t do that online. While you can submit a paper application, servicers aren’t processing them right now.
☁️ Current Status: Unfortunately, you can’t take any action on consolidating or enrolling in an IDR plan at this time.
What You Can Do Now:
☁️ Stay Updated: Keep an eye on updates from the Department of Education and your loan servicer about when the process will resume. I’ll also provide updates on Twitter and this website, so be sure to follow and subscribe. Additionally, I send out a weekly newsletter with bonus updates whenever new student loan information is released.
I’m a recent college graduate and need to enroll in an IDR Plan.
Your Situation is Currently Complicated
As a recent graduate, it’s understandable that you want to consolidate your student loans and enroll in an Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan.
Unfortunately, the current SAVE injunction has created significant delays and confusion. Here’s what you need to know:
Online Applications Are Currently Blocked
Due to recent legal challenges, the Department of Education has temporarily shut down online applications for loan consolidation and IDR plans.
This means you can’t complete these processes through the usual online portals.
PDF (Paper) Applications Are an Option, but…
You are allowed to submit a paper application for loan consolidation and IDR plans.
However, as of now, student loan servicers are not processing these applications.
This means that even if you send in your application, it may not be reviewed or acted upon until the situation changes.
So to Recap:
☁️ What You Need to Do: You want to consolidate your loans and enroll in an IDR plan, but right now, you can’t do that online. While you can submit a paper application, servicers aren’t processing them right now.
☁️ Current Status: Unfortunately, you can’t take any action on consolidating or enrolling in an IDR plan at this time.
What You Can Do Now:
☁️ Stay Updated: Keep an eye on updates from the Department of Education and your loan servicer about when the process will resume. I’ll also provide updates on Twitter and this website, so be sure to follow and subscribe. Additionally, I send out a weekly newsletter with bonus updates whenever new student loan information is released.
SAVE Injunction (Block) Timeline
(Note: This schedule is tentative and may change)
October 24, 2024: 8th Circuit Court Oral Arguments
The 8th Circuit Court will hear oral arguments on the legality of the SAVE Income-Driven Repayment Plan.
The Department of Education will defend the SAVE plan, while opponents argue it was created illegally and will seek to make the temporary block permanent.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court is expected to issue a ruling a few weeks later, likely by the end of November.
Given that the challenge is led by Republicans and the court has a Republican majority, it’s expected that the temporary block on the SAVE plan could become permanent.
Regardless of the outcome, it’s likely the losing side will appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court of the United States.
Last Week of November 2024: 8th Circuit Court Gives Final Ruling
This is the expected week for the 8th Circuit Court to deliver its verdict.
Once the ruling is issued, the losing party is likely to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court of the United States.
Check back as the decision approaches — I’ll provide more updates as information becomes available.
Summer 2025 (Likely June at the Earliest): Supreme Court Final Ruling
Timeline of Key Dates (Assuming an Appeal to the 8th Circuit Court Ruling)
☁️ End of January 2025: The Supreme Court will likely decide whether to officially review the case.
☁️ April 2025: If the case moves forward, oral arguments will be heard by the Supreme Court.
☁️ June 2025 (at the earliest): The Supreme Court is expected to issue its final ruling, determining the fate of the SAVE Income-Driven Repayment plan.
This process will take time, and we’ll learn more as it progresses. The outcome of the November election may also shape the future of other student loan programs.
Once the Supreme Court makes its decision, the ruling will be final, with no further appeals.
Check back as the decision approaches — I’ll provide updates as new information becomes available.
Summer 2025 (Likely June at the Earliest): Supreme Court Final Ruling
Timeline of Key Dates (Assuming an Appeal to the 8th Circuit Court Ruling)
☁️ End of January 2025: The Supreme Court will likely decide whether to officially review the case.
☁️ April 2025: If the case moves forward, oral arguments will be heard by the Supreme Court.
☁️ June 2025 (at the earliest): The Supreme Court is expected to issue its final ruling, determining the fate of the SAVE Income-Driven Repayment plan.
This process will take time, and we’ll learn more as it progresses. The outcome of the November election may also shape the future of other student loan programs.
Once the Supreme Court makes its decision, the ruling will be final, with no further appeals.
Check back as the decision approaches — I’ll provide updates as new information becomes available.
Student Loan Questions & Answers
What is an Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan?
An Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan helps you pay back your student loans based on your income and family size, rather than the amount you owe.
When you finish school, you’re automatically placed on the Standard 10-Year Repayment plan, which calculates your monthly payment based on your loan balance and interest rate — similar to a mortgage. This can result in high payments for most people.
IDR plans, however, base your monthly payment on your income and family size. The more you earn, the higher your payment. If you have a larger family or a lower income, your payment will be lower.
Unlike the Standard plan, your IDR payment can change every year depending on changes in your income or family size.
Remember, IDR is a strategy for paying back your loans, not a specific repayment plan. Below are the different IDR plans, each with its own way of calculating your payment. Click on each one to learn more:
☁️ Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE)
☁️ Pay As You Earn (PAYE)
☁️ Income-Based Repayment (IBR)
☁️ Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR)
What is an Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan?
An Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan helps you pay back your student loans based on your income and family size, rather than the amount you owe.
When you finish school, you’re automatically placed on the Standard 10-Year Repayment plan, which calculates your monthly payment based on your loan balance and interest rate — similar to a mortgage. This can result in high payments for most people.
IDR plans, however, base your monthly payment on your income and family size. The more you earn, the higher your payment. If you have a larger family or a lower income, your payment will be lower.
Unlike the Standard plan, your IDR payment can change every year depending on changes in your income or family size.
Remember, IDR is a strategy for paying back your loans, not a specific repayment plan. Below are the different IDR plans, each with its own way of calculating your payment. Click on each one to learn more:
☁️ Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE)
☁️ Pay As You Earn (PAYE)
☁️ Income-Based Repayment (IBR)
☁️ Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR)
Which Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans can I enroll in?
If you’re enrolling in an Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan for the first time or want to switch plans, you can currently choose from these options:
☁️ Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE)
☁️ Income-Based Repayment (IBR)
☁️ Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR)
Note: ICR is only available for borrowers with consolidated Parent PLUS loans.
Which Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans can I enroll in?
If you’re enrolling in an Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan for the first time or want to switch plans, you can currently choose from these options:
☁️ Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE)
☁️ Income-Based Repayment (IBR)
☁️ Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR)
Note: ICR is only available for borrowers with consolidated Parent PLUS loans.
What is Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)?
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is a program that forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Federal loans, tax-free, if you meet certain requirements.
What are the requirements?
1. Work for a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government, or a qualifying 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
2. Be employed full-time.
3. Have Direct Loans or a Consolidated Direct Loan.
4. Repay your loans under an Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan.
5. Make 120 qualifying payments.
Important: When you reach 120 payments and complete your final PSLF form, make sure your employment is marked as “still employed” or is certified (signed) by your employer in the same month your job ends. If you’re thinking about changing jobs after reaching forgiveness, it’s recommended to stay with your eligible employer until your PSLF application is approved and your loan balance is forgiven.
For more details on PSLF, visit the Department of Education’s website here.
What is Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)?
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is a program that forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Federal loans, tax-free, if you meet certain requirements.
What are the requirements?
1. Work for a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government, or a qualifying 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
2. Be employed full-time.
3. Have Direct Loans or a Consolidated Direct Loan.
4. Repay your loans under an Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan.
5. Make 120 qualifying payments.
Important: When you reach 120 payments and complete your final PSLF form, make sure your employment is marked as “still employed” or is certified (signed) by your employer in the same month your job ends. If you’re thinking about changing jobs after reaching forgiveness, it’s recommended to stay with your eligible employer until your PSLF application is approved and your loan balance is forgiven.
For more details on PSLF, visit the Department of Education’s website here.
What is best practice for tracking Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) progress?
You can track your progress towards Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) using the tracking tool here. If it’s your first time logging in, you’ll need to create an account.
It’s recommended to complete an Employment Certification Form (ECF) every year using the PSLF Help Tool. Once processed, your progress will be updated in the tracker. This makes it easier to keep your records up to date and avoid scrambling to track down old employers after making 120 qualifying payments.
It’s best to submit the ECF annually, but you don’t need to do it more than once a year—unless you leave a job. If you change employers, make sure your employment is certified before you leave.
Also, remember that only payments made while working for a qualifying employer count towards PSLF, so maintaining accurate employment records is key.
I hit 120 qualifying Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) payments, how do I receive forgiveness?
Congratulations!
You’ve made your 120 qualifying payments, and now it’s time to complete and submit your Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) application.
You can submit your application online using the PSLF Help Tool or through a PDF form.
With the PSLF Help Tool, you can:
☁️ Complete your PSLF form.
☁️ Send the form to your employer for their signature (to certify your employment).
☁️ Electronically submit your form for processing.
Important: When you submit your final PSLF form, ensure your employment is marked as “still employed” or certified (signed) by your employer in the same month your job ends. If you’re thinking of switching jobs, it’s best to stay with your current employer until your application is approved and your loan is forgiven.
Note: PSLF applications are not affected by the SAVE court ruling, but many borrowers are experiencing delays in loan forgiveness.
I hit 120 qualifying Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) payments, how do I receive forgiveness?
Congratulations!
You’ve made your 120 qualifying payments, and now it’s time to complete and submit your Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) application.
You can submit your application online using the PSLF Help Tool or through a PDF form.
With the PSLF Help Tool, you can:
☁️ Complete your PSLF form.
☁️ Send the form to your employer for their signature (to certify your employment).
☁️ Electronically submit your form for processing.
Important: When you submit your final PSLF form, ensure your employment is marked as “still employed” or certified (signed) by your employer in the same month your job ends. If you’re thinking of switching jobs, it’s best to stay with your current employer until your application is approved and your loan is forgiven.
Note: PSLF applications are not affected by the SAVE court ruling, but many borrowers are experiencing delays in loan forgiveness.
What is the status of Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)?
PSLF is here to stay, at least for now. You can expect it to be available in the future.
Why? When you take out student loans and sign the master promissory note, PSLF is part of that agreement. This means you’re contractually entitled to PSLF benefits, and if the program were removed, it would be a breach of contract.
While future borrowers may not have PSLF in their promissory notes, for those who already have loans, it’s safe to assume PSLF will remain available.
Note: The tax-free status of PSLF forgiveness is not part of the promissory note, so it’s possible that could change in the future, though it’s not currently being discussed.
What is the future of Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE)?
Unfortunately, nobody knows…
Right now, there’s no way to know if the SAVE plan will survive the ongoing litigation.
The courts might decide to dismantle it, and if that happens, it won’t be a valid Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan anymore.
The uncertainty is frustrating, but it’s the reality we’re facing.
My Gut Feeling
I suspect that SAVE might not survive the litigation process.
There’s a strong chance that it could be struck down, leading to significant changes in the student loan landscape.
And with elections on the horizon, more changes could be on the way depending on who takes office.
My Best Advice
Plan as if SAVE won’t be available as an IDR option in the future.
While you can’t make any changes to your student loans right now, it’s important to stay informed and be ready to adapt to whatever comes next.
Keep an eye on updates, and I’ll make sure to keep you posted as more information becomes available.
Despite the uncertainty, there are still ways to optimize your finances through tax planning and student loan strategies.
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It All Begins with a Diagnosis…
At Dream Bigger Financial, we’re dedicated to setting early-career physicians on the right financial treatment plan.
With a comprehensive diagnosis, we guide you towards financial peace of mind, ensuring you can be your best self for your loved ones and patients.
Considering financial planning?
We’re currently accepting new patients!
If you prefer self-diagnosing,
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We regularly share tips and tricks on lowering taxes, managing student loans, saving for retirement, and guiding you to live your best financial life.