Key points
- The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program remains one of the most misunderstood federal student loan programs, and mistakes can derail years of progress.
- Choosing the right repayment plan, submitting employer certifications, and staying up to date on processing updates are non-negotiables for borrowers seeking PSLF.
- Changes to repayment plans in 2026 make now a critical time to review eligibility and act accordingly.
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program offers one of the strongest federal benefits to student loan borrowers who work in government and nonprofit roles. more One million borrowers received loan forgiveness through the programand about 100,000 to 200,000 are on their way to getting their loans forgiven each year.
However, the program has received a lot of bad press due to high rates of denial. Often times, the problem is not missed payments or insufficient work history. It’s the leaves. Borrowers have defaulted because they followed the wrong repayment plan, failed to provide employer certifications, or unknowingly consolidated loans in a way that reset progress.
With the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill and one of the largest student loan repayment reforms underway, now is the time to ensure compliance.
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PSLF rules
PSLF has some non-negotiable rules:
- Take out direct student loans (not Perkins loans or older FFEL loans)
- Be on an eligible payment plan (IBR, PAYE, ICR, SAVE, RAP)
- Certification of your qualified employment
- Do the three steps above to get 120 payments
Choosing the wrong repayment plan is one of the most common mistakes borrowers make. While the savings plan may have offered the lowest monthly payment for most borrowers, it expires in 2026, and borrowers in the plan have been stuck in forbearance for the past year. This forbearance period is not calculated directly – it requires a PSLF buyback, which is even more confusing.
For purposes of PSLF, eligible repayment plans are:
- Income Based Repayment (IBR)
- Income Conditional Repayment (ICR) *Expires in 2028
- Pay As You Earn (PAYE) *Expires in 2028
- Savings on Value Education (SAVE) *Expires in 2026
- Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP)* coming in 2026
- Standard ten-year plan
You must also certify your work. The easiest way to do this is via PSLF utilitywhich will send DocuSign to your employer to certify your qualified employment. You can make a paper copy too. It is essential that you keep records of this.
PSLF Checklist: Staying on Track
Use the following checklist to protect your PSLF eligibility:
Step 1 – Confirm loan eligibility
Make sure you have Direct Student Loans. Almost all federal student loans originated after 2010 must qualify. But if you have old FFEL loans, you may need to consolidate.
Step 2 – Verifying the eligibility of the employer
Make sure you work for a qualified employer. It is essential that you work directly for the eligible employer, and not be a contractor. Some exceptions apply to doctors in California and Texas. Check out this guide to learn about PSLF-eligible jobs.
Step 3 – Select the eligible payment plan
Make sure you pay your student loans according to a qualified repayment plan. This includes IBR, ICR, PAYE, SAVE or RAP.
Step 4 – Submit an employer certification form
Use the PSLF Help Tool to submit an Employer Certification Form certifying your employment for an eligible public service job.
Step 5 – Track your eligible payments
Track your eligible payments in your loan servicing portal. Watch the green banner to make sure your payment numbers are updated accurately. Always keep your own log as well.
Step 6 – Monitor your PSLF progress
Check your PSLF progress at least once a year. If you find any missing numbers after your business is certified, be sure to file a request PSLF Reconsideration Request.
Step 7 – Re-certify your business annually or as needed
Use the PSLF utility each year to certify your job, or if you move jobs during the year, certify your new job as needed. Don’t miss your employment certificate, because it can be difficult to track down previous employers.
Step 8 – Send a repurchase request if necessary
Once you have 120 months of qualifying employment, you can file a PSLF buyback to buy back the time lost due to the SAVE forbearance.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key requirements to qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)?
The main requirements for PSLF are to have a Direct Student Loan, enroll in a qualifying repayment plan, confirm that you work for an eligible employer, and do so for 120 payments.
What are the most common mistakes in PSLF that can delay or negate remission?
The most common mistakes include not enrolling in a qualifying repayment plan, and not completing the PSLF paperwork properly.
How do I certify my work with PSLF and how often do I have to do it?
You certify your employment by filling out the PSLF Employment Certification Form, or doing so online through the PSLF Help Tool (recommended). It is recommended to complete the certification at least annually.
Final thoughts
Maintaining PSLF eligibility may seem daunting, but once you have the right payment plan and your employment is certified, it’s relatively easy to stay compliant. The important thing is to keep your own records and then follow up as necessary if you discover any issues.
Don’t miss these other stories:
How to legally reduce your IDR payment (and avoid fraud)
The Department of Education is changing the rules for PSLF and repayment plans
Can Trump ban some workers from PSLF?
Editor: Colin Greaves
The post PSLF Checklist: What Student Loan Borrowers Should Do appeared first on The College Investor.
