Department of Education Simplifies Public Service Loan Forgiveness

PSLF Help Tool

Streamlined application process for Public Service Loan Forgiveness

The Department of Education has launched a new tool to help borrowers understand and apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), a program that forgives the remaining balance on federal student loans for individuals who work in public service for at least 10 years. The PSLF Help Tool provides a simplified application process and eligibility checker.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for PSLF, borrowers must meet certain requirements, including:

• Work full-time for a qualifying public service employer, such as government agencies, non-profit organizations, and public schools
• Make 120 qualifying monthly payments on their federal student loans
• Have federal Direct Loans or have consolidated their federal loans into a Direct Consolidation Loan

Application Process

Borrowers can apply for PSLF using the PSLF Help Tool or by submitting a PSLF form. The Help Tool allows borrowers to check their eligibility, download a form, or submit the form electronically. Once the form is submitted, the Department of Education will review the application and determine eligibility.

Changes to PSLF Program

The Department of Education has also announced changes to the PSLF Program, including:

• Expanding eligibility to include certain types of military service
• Creating a temporary waiver that allows borrowers who have made payments on ineligible loans to count those payments towards PSLF
• Simplifying the documentation requirements for PSLF

These changes are intended to make the PSLF Program more accessible for public service employees and to ensure that they receive the forgiveness they have earned.