STEP-BY-STEP
How to apply for an IDR plan
A guided process from checking your loans to submitting the application and tracking the result.
Open DIY application guide ↗Home / Education library
REPAYMENT PLAN LIBRARY
One place to understand the IDR options.
Income-driven repayment (IDR) plans calculate payments using income-related formulas, but eligibility, time in repayment, and discharge rules are not the same. Start with loan type and disbursement dates—then compare the plan details.
Reviewed October 11, 2026Use official calculator before applying
First, know this about 2026
SAVE ended following a court order in March 2026. RAP became available July 1, 2026. Current Federal Student Aid guidance says PAYE and ICR will end no later than July 1, 2028. Availability may change if a borrower receives a new loan disbursed on or after July 1, 2026.
| Plan | General payment formula | Repayment period | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAP | 1%–10% of AGI divided by 12, minus $50 per tax-return dependent; minimum $10. | 30 years | No general cap at the 10-year Standard payment; Parent PLUS exclusions apply. |
| IBR | Generally 10% or 15% of discretionary income, depending on borrower history. | 20 or 25 years | Payment has a cap tied to the 10-year Standard amount; loan eligibility matters. |
| PAYE | Generally 10% of discretionary income, subject to eligibility and payment cap. | 20 years | Scheduled to end no later than July 1, 2028. |
| ICR | Lesser of 20% of discretionary income or income-adjusted 12-year fixed payment. | 25 years | Scheduled to end no later than July 1, 2028; Parent PLUS consolidation history can matter. |
| SAVE transition | SAVE is no longer an available plan. | Choose a new eligible plan | Use the date on the notice from your servicer to calculate your deadline. |
This is a high-level orientation chart, not a decision engine. It omits some eligibility tests and exceptions. Check the linked federal source and your personalized Repayment Calculator results.
POLICY SUMMARY
What changed July 1, 2026?
RAP, Tiered Standard, new disbursement-date considerations, the SAVE transition, and the PAYE/ICR sunset.
Read the change briefing ↗PERSONAL DECISION
Prepare for a useful comparison
Gather loan details, AGI, family size, current payment, total balance, and any PSLF goals.
Get the checklist ↗OFFICIAL STARTING POINT
Use the government’s calculator
for your actual loan data.
Generic explainers help you ask better questions. The official calculator is the place to compare plans against your own balances and income.