How to Get Student Loan Forgiveness
Updated March 2026 | StudentLoanGuide Editorial Team | Verified against Federal Student Aid data
- PSLF forgives loans after 120 payments (10 years) for public service workers - tax-free
- Submit your Employment Certification Form annually - do not wait until 120 payments
- IDR plans forgive remaining balance after 20-25 years of payments
- Teacher Loan Forgiveness offers up to $17,500 after 5 years at qualifying schools
- State programs can supplement federal forgiveness - check your state offerings
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
PSLF is the most powerful forgiveness program, forgiving your remaining balance after 120 qualifying monthly payments (10 years). To qualify, you must work full-time for a qualifying employer (federal, state, local, or tribal government; 501(c)(3) nonprofits; certain other nonprofits providing qualifying public services). Military, public schools, public hospitals, and law enforcement all qualify. You must have Direct Loans (consolidate FFEL or Perkins loans first) and be on an income-driven repayment plan or the Standard 10-Year plan.
Step 2: Submit Your PSLF Employment Certification Form (ECF)
Submit the Employment Certification Form (ECF) annually or whenever you change employers. Download the form at studentaid.gov/pslf. Your employer must complete Section 4 certifying your employment dates and full-time status. Submit to MOHELA (the PSLF servicer). This tracks your qualifying payments and confirms employer eligibility. Do not wait until you reach 120 payments to submit your first ECF.
Step 3: Check for Temporary Expanded PSLF (TEPSLF) Eligibility
If you were denied PSLF because you were on the wrong repayment plan, you may qualify for TEPSLF. This program provides a second chance for borrowers who made payments under non-qualifying plans (like Graduated or Extended) while working for qualifying employers. You must have made at least 120 payments, even if they were not all on an IDR plan. Apply at the same PSLF application page on studentaid.gov.
Step 4: Enroll in Income-Driven Repayment for IDR Forgiveness
All income-driven repayment plans offer forgiveness after 20-25 years of qualifying payments. RAP (which replaced SAVE under 2026 OBBBA) and new IBR forgive after 20 years for undergraduate borrowers. Old IBR and ICR forgive after 25 years. If you are not pursuing PSLF, IDR forgiveness is your next best option. Enroll at studentaid.gov/idr or use our IDR Calculator to find the plan with the lowest payment.
Step 5: Explore Teacher Loan Forgiveness
Teachers who work full-time for five consecutive years in a qualifying low-income school or educational service agency can receive up to $17,500 in Direct Loan forgiveness. STEM and special education teachers in high-need fields receive the maximum $17,500; other qualifying teachers receive up to $5,000. Important: Teacher Loan Forgiveness and PSLF can be used sequentially but not simultaneously for the same period. Many teachers complete 5 years for Teacher Forgiveness first, then pursue PSLF for the remaining balance.
Step 6: Check for State-Specific Forgiveness Programs
Many states offer their own loan forgiveness or repayment assistance programs. These often target healthcare workers in underserved areas, lawyers in public interest or legal aid, teachers in shortage areas, and social workers. Check your state higher education agency website for available programs. Some provide $5,000-$50,000 or more in forgiveness. These can often be combined with federal forgiveness programs.
Step 7: Recertify Income Annually and Track Progress
For all IDR plans, you must recertify your income and family size annually. Missing recertification can result in your payment jumping to the standard amount and lost progress toward forgiveness. Set calendar reminders. Track your qualifying payment count through your loan servicer website and through the PSLF tracking tool at studentaid.gov. Keep copies of all ECFs, payment records, and employment documentation.
Step 8: Apply for Forgiveness When Eligible
When you reach 120 qualifying payments (PSLF) or complete your 20-25 year repayment period (IDR), submit your forgiveness application. For PSLF, submit the PSLF Application (combined with the ECF). PSLF forgiveness is tax-free. IDR forgiveness is currently tax-exempt through 2025 under the American Rescue Plan, but may be taxable after that. Plan ahead for potential tax liability by saving or opening a dedicated account.
Check Your Forgiveness Eligibility
Use our free tool to see which forgiveness programs you qualify for
Check Your Forgiveness Eligibility