Public Service Loan Forgiveness
(10 year program)
www.StudentAid.gov/publicservice
Big changes to the PSLF program were announced in October 2021! Step 3 is very crucial by October 31, 2022. Read more here
Step 1: Log in to studentaid.gov
In late 2019 the government combined content and features from StudentLoans.gov, fsaid.ed.gov, and nslds.ed.gov. These features are all consolidated now at studentaid.gov
Direct Loans?
Step 2: Make sure you have Direct loans
If your loans are NOT Direct loans, you will need to consolidate them
Certify Employment
Step 3: Fill out and Submit PSLF Form
Your 120 total payments under the PSLF program will only count if you are employed with a qualifying district/agency while you are making payments. Employment will be verified by sending in this re-certification form each year.
Income-Driven Payment Plan
Step 4: You must be on an income-driven repayment plan
You will need to complete your re-certification online each year.
Apply
Step 5: Apply for Forgiveness
After 120 qualifying payments fill out the application for loan forgiveness
Examples of qualifying payments: 1 2 3
Resources
Requirements
1. To qualify for PSLF, I must have made 120 qualifying payments on my Direct Loans while employed full-time by a
qualifying employer or employers. Neither the 120 qualifying payments nor employment have to be consecutive.
2. To qualify for PSLF, I must be employed full-time by a qualifying employer when I apply for and receive PSLF.
3. By submitting this form, my student loans held by the Department will be transferred to FedLoan Servicing.
4. If the Department determines that I appear to be eligible for forgiveness, the Department may contact my employer
before granting forgiveness to ensure that I continue to work for the employer.
5. If I am eligible for forgiveness, the amount forgiven will be the principal and interest that was due on my eligible Direct
Loans when I made my final qualifying payment. Any amount that I pay on those loans after I have made my final
qualifying payment will be treated as an overpayment. I must continue to make payments on any of my other loans.
6. If I am not eligible for forgiveness, I will be notified of the determination and why it was made, my forbearance will end,
and unpaid interest may be capitalized (added to my loan's principal balance).
Alternative for those leaving non-profit organizations here