What is Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)?
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program is a federal initiative designed to help individuals working in public service reduce their student loan debt. Under this program, borrowers who make 120 qualifying monthly payments on eligible federal student loans while working full-time for qualifying employers may have their remaining loan balance forgiven.
Who Qualifies for PSLF?
You may be eligible for PSLF if:
- You have eligible federal Direct Loans or Direct Consolidation Loans.
- You work full-time for a qualifying employer as defined by the program. Qualifying employers typically include government organizations, certain nonprofit organizations, and other public service employers as determined by the Department of Education.
- You make 120 qualifying payments under repayment plans approved by the Department of Education. Payments made during periods of deferment or forbearance generally do not count.
How Does PSLF Work?
Verify Your Employment
Submit an Employment Certification Form (ECF) regularly—at least annually and whenever you change employers—to confirm your employment qualifies.
Make Qualifying Payments
Make on-time monthly payments under an eligible repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer.
Apply for Forgiveness
After completing 120 qualifying payments, submit a PSLF forgiveness application to have your remaining loan balance reviewed and potentially forgiven.
Important Notes
- Loan types, qualifying employers, and repayment plans are defined by the Department of Education and may be subject to change.
- Forgiveness is not automatic; you must submit an application once eligible.
- Payments made on non-qualifying loans or repayment plans, or while employed by non-qualifying employers, do not count toward PSLF.
- It’s important to regularly check the official Federal Student Aid website for updates and guidance.
Resources
For the most current information, application forms, and tools to track your progress, visit the official Federal Student Aid PSLF webpage at https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.
Disclaimer
This page is for informational purposes only. For the latest guidelines and official rules, always consult the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid website.