Transitioning From the SAVE Repayment Plan
If you’re on the SAVE Plan, you’ll have 90 days from the date you receive a notice from your loan servicer to select a new repayment plan. This guide walks you through your options.
Whether it’s forgiveness, paying off your debt, or keeping payments affordable, we’ll help you find a path that fits your goal.
For personalized, real-time support—including live chat with experts—join our upcoming webinar: Transitioning from SAVE: A Smart Guide to Repayment, Relief, and Student Loan Strategy
Step 1: Understand Your Repayment Options
If you are leaving SAVE, several repayment paths may be available depending on your loan type, eligibility, and goals.
Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Plans
Monthly payments are based on your income and family size. Each plan has different eligibility rules, payment formulas, and forgiveness timelines.
- IBR (Income-Based Repayment)
- PAYE (Pay As You Earn)*
- ICR (Income-Contingent Repayment)*
- RAP (Repayment Assistance Plan) – available now
*Plan to be phased out on July 1, 2028. Borrowers still in these plans on this date will be transitioned to IBR.
Caution: If you consolidate existing loans or take out new loans on or after July 1, 2026, you may have access to only one or two repayment plans: RAP or The New Standard Tiered Fixed plan.
Tip: Use our repayment calculator or start an IDR application to preview your payment.
- Estimates based on income from your most recent tax return (if filed within 2 years)
- Proof may be required if income can’t be verified or has decreased
- Acceptable docs: tax return, pay stub, or unemployment proof
Important IDR notes
- IDR plans require annual income recertification. Your servicer typically notifies you 2–3 months before your deadline.
- If you are married and file jointly, your spouse’s income will be considered in your payment calculator. Read our latest blog post.
- *PAYE and ICR will sunset on July 1, 2028. Eligible borrowers may still enroll but should plan for a future transition. If you are eligible for both PAYE and IBR, we recommend IBR to avoid switching plan by 2028.
- Borrowers with Parent PLUS loans who are on SAVE may enroll in ICR or IBR. The general rule is that you must first switch to ICR and make at least one qualifying payment before transitioning to IBR.
- RAP is expected to be the primary IDR option for student borrowers who consolidate or take out new federal loans after July 1, 2026. Parent Plus loan borrowers who have Direct Plus loans or consolidate after July 1, 2026, will only be able to enroll in the new Standard repayment plan and cannot pursue forgiveness.
Standard Repayment Plans
If you are not pursuing forgiveness, a standard repayment plan may be an option. Payments are fixed or increase over time, depending on your plan and loan type. Options may include:
- 10-Year Standard
- Extended or Graduated
- New Tiered Standard
Important Parent PLUS notes
- If you have unconsolidated Direct Parent Plus loans as of July 1, 2026, and do not take out additional loans, you have access to existing Standard, Extended (if your loan balance is more than $30,000) and Graduated plans.
- If you take additional Parent Plus loans after July 1, 2026, your only repayment option for all your Parent Plus debt will be the new Tiered Standard Repayment Plan.
Step 2: Choose a Plan Based on Your Goal
Before switching, clarify your primary goal:
I want loan forgiveness (PSLF or IDR forgiveness)
- You must enroll in an IDR plan.
- Choose the plan with the lowest affordable monthly payment while maintaining eligibility for forgiveness.
- If you are pursuing PSLF, choose the plan with the lowest monthly payment.
- If you are pursuing IDRF, be aware that different IDR plans have different forgiveness timelines. The cheapest option may require that you pay longer. Visit our Repayment Calculator for details to make a fully informed decision.
I want to pay off my loans in full
- You may choose IDR or Standard Repayment.
- Select a plan you can afford.
- You can always make extra payments—regardless of plan—to reduce interest and principal faster.
I expect to carry this debt long-term
- Choose the plan that best fits your budget.
- If forgiveness is part of your strategy, you must use an IDR plan.
- If you expect the debt to remain for life, compare the lowest-cost option across IDR and standard plans.
Special Considerations for Forgiveness
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
To stay on track:
- Enroll in the lowest-cost qualifying IDR plan
- Work full-time for a qualifying public service employer
- Make 120 qualifying monthly payments
✅ Switching repayment plans does NOT reset your PSLF payment count as long as you remain on a qualifying plan and work for a qualifying employer.
Tip: After switching plans, submit a new PSLF Employment Certification Form after your first 2–3 payments to confirm they qualify.
IDR Forgiveness (Non-PSLF)
- IBR, PAYE, ICR: Forgiveness after 20–25 years, depending on the plan
- RAP: Forgiveness may take up to 30 years
Longer repayment timelines can significantly increase the total amount repaid. Understand how switching plans—especially into RAP—affects your long-term costs before enrolling.
Step 3: How To Switch Plans
IDR plans: Apply online at studentaid.gov/idr/. You may also apply through your servicer or submit a paper IDR application—but online applications are processed faster. See our video guide below.
Standard plans: Contact your loan servicer directly or submit a paper Standard Repayment Plan paper application.
Step 4: After You Apply
After applying:
- Watch for written confirmation from your servicer.
- Expect a bill at least 21 days before payment is due.
- If there is significant discrepancy between the estimated and final invoiced payment, look more into it. Calculation mistakes can happen.
- Make payments and monitor account activity, especially if enrolled in auto‑debit.
- Check your inbox regularly for important updates and notices.
For PSLF borrowers, continue submitting employment certification forms and monitoring your qualifying payment count.
Final Tip
Your repayment plan is a tool—not a permanent decision. If your income, family size, employment, or goals change, revisit your options to make sure your plan still works for you.
If you need help, contact your loan servicer or seek guidance from a trusted student loan advisor.