Cody Casey
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program was established in 2007 to encourage Americans to enter public service jobs by forgiving their remaining federal student debt after 10 years of service and 120 monthly payments. The program has undergone several changes and temporary adjustments due to the pandemic, with all federal student loans placed in interest-free administrative forbearance from March 2020 until October 2023. As of March 2025, the Education Department is temporarily including months spent during the pandemic payment pause towards PSLF forgiveness if the borrower also worked a qualifying job. The PSLF Help Tool is available to determine eligibility and track progress, and borrowers with previously rejected applications can request reconsideration. While PSLF is one of the most popular loan forgiveness programs, there are other paths to forgiveness, such as teacher loan forgiveness, and income-driven repayment plans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of establishment | 2007 |
| Who is eligible? | Workers who provide 10 years of public service while making 120 monthly payments on their federal student loans |
| Type of degree | Any type of degree |
| Type of student loan | Direct Loans |
| Type of repayment plan | Income-driven repayment (IDR) |
| Changes due to the pandemic | All federal student loans were put into interest-free administrative forbearance from March 2020 until October 2023 |
| Reconsideration | Borrowers whose applications were rejected can request a reconsideration online at studentaid.gov |
| Exclusions | Individuals employed by organizations whose activities have a substantial illegal purpose |
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What You'll Learn
Temporary changes to PSLF during the pandemic
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program was created in 2007 to help public service workers get out of student loan debt. In 2021, the US Department of Education announced "transformational changes" to the program, which would accelerate loan forgiveness for up to 550,000 borrowers. These changes were implemented in recognition of the hardships many borrowers faced during the pandemic.
The temporary changes to the PSLF program included:
- A waiver of the requirement to be employed by a qualified employer at the time of application and forgiveness.
- Acceptance of a wider range of loans, including Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL) and Perkins Loans, in addition to Direct Loans.
- Acceptance of all repayment plans, not just the 10-year standard plan or income-driven repayment plan.
- Counting of repayment periods before loan consolidation, even if the borrower was on the wrong repayment plan.
- Counting of late payments or payments less than the full amount.
- A one-time IDR account adjustment, which allowed any payments made towards federal loans while working a qualifying PSLF job during the pandemic payment pause to count towards PSLF.
These temporary changes to the PSLF program were set to expire on October 31, 2022, after which the requirements would return to the original rules.
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PSLF Help Tool
The PSLF Help Tool is a resource provided by the Education Department to assist borrowers in determining their eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). It is designed to help borrowers navigate the complex process of applying for PSLF and understanding their loan repayment options.
The tool allows borrowers to input information about their loans and employment history to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements for PSLF. This includes information such as the types of loans they have and their employer. By using the tool, borrowers can get a clear understanding of whether they may qualify for loan forgiveness under the PSLF program.
In addition to checking eligibility, the PSLF Help Tool can also help borrowers certify periods of employment and track their progress towards loan forgiveness. This feature is especially useful for borrowers who want to stay on top of their loan repayment journey and ensure they are on track to meet the PSLF requirements. The tool provides a transparent and accessible way for borrowers to manage their student loan debt and explore options for relief.
The PSLF Help Tool is part of a suite of resources available to borrowers seeking assistance with their student loans. For instance, borrowers can also seek help through the NEA's Student Debt Navigator, which provides free individualized support to NEA members. Additionally, the Education Department's website, studentaid.gov, offers a wealth of information and resources for borrowers, including the ability to log in and check the number of qualifying PSLF payments made.
It is important to note that PSLF underwent temporary changes due to the pandemic. From March 2020 until October 2023, all federal student loans were placed into interest-free administrative forbearance. The Education Department also implemented a one-time IDR account adjustment, which includes months spent in the pandemic payment pause, as long as the borrower worked a qualifying job during that time. These adjustments aim to provide much-needed flexibility and relief to borrowers during challenging times.
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IDR account adjustment
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program was created to cancel the remaining balance of federal student debt for workers who provide 10 years of public service while making 120 monthly payments on their federal student loans. The type of degree does not matter, and you can qualify even if you did not graduate. The requirements are based on your years of service and the number of payments you have made.
The Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Account Adjustment, also known as the "payment recount", is a one-time program that wrapped up on January 16, 2025. Under this program, the Education Department reviewed which past payment periods count toward IDR forgiveness and PSLF, instructing loan servicers to update borrower accounts accordingly. IDR plans erase your remaining debt after 20 or 25 years of payments, while PSLF forgives debt after 10 years.
Roughly 1.45 million borrowers had their student loans forgiven through the adjustment, with an average forgiveness of about $39,380 per person. The account adjustment was automatic for all PSLF-eligible Direct Loans, including consolidated and unconsolidated parent PLUS loans. PSLF borrowers with commercially or federally held FFELP loans could also qualify for the recount if they had first applied to consolidate those loans by April 30, 2024.
The IDR account adjustment also allowed for any payments made toward federal loans while working a qualifying PSLF job during or after October 2007 to count toward PSLF, regardless of the payment plan. This included months spent in the pandemic payment pause from March 2020 to September 2023. Previously rejected payments that weren't considered on time also counted toward PSLF.
If you have not applied for PSLF yet, you will need to fill out an application using your FSA ID through the Department of Education's PSLF Help Tool. You can also use this tool to certify periods of employment and track progress toward forgiveness. If your application was rejected in the past, you can request a reconsideration online at studentaid.gov.
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Teacher loan forgiveness
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is often considered the best option for teachers with high student loan debt. PSLF is a program that cancels the remaining balance of federal student debt for workers who have provided 10 years of public service. This includes teachers, who are considered public servants. PSLF is now managed by the U.S. Department of Education.
To qualify for PSLF, you must make 120 qualifying payments on your Direct Loans. Qualifying employers include government organizations at any level (federal, state, local, or tribal), nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or other nonprofit organizations that provide certain types of qualifying public services.
If you are a teacher, you may also be eligible for the Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF) Program, a separate federal program from PSLF. TLF provides loan forgiveness for teachers who have served as full-time classroom teachers for five complete and consecutive academic years at a low-income school. The amount of forgiveness depends on the subject area taught, with teachers in mathematics, science, or special education eligible for up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness, and other elementary or secondary school teachers eligible for $5,000 in loan forgiveness. Direct PLUS Loans, FFEL PLUS Loans, and Perkins Loans are not eligible for forgiveness through TLF. Only Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans qualify.
It is important to note that you cannot qualify for both PSLF and TLF for the same period of teaching service. However, it is possible to receive forgiveness under both programs if the qualifying periods do not overlap. Teachers should carefully consider their options and seek help to determine which forgiveness program is best for them.
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Loan forgiveness scams
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is a program that cancels the remaining balance of federal student loan debt for workers who have completed 10 years of public service while making 120 monthly payments on their federal student loans. PSLF underwent temporary changes during the pandemic, with all federal student loans placed into interest-free administrative forbearance from March 2020 until October 2023.
While PSLF is a legitimate program, it is important to be aware of loan forgiveness scams. These scams can come in various forms, including phone calls, emails, and text messages. Here are some signs to watch out for and steps to take to protect yourself:
Warning Signs of a Scam
- Official-looking names, seals, and logos: Scammers may use official-sounding names or include seals and logos in their communications to appear legitimate. However, this does not necessarily indicate trustworthiness. Always verify the sender's email address and be cautious of unusual capitalization, improper grammar, or incomplete sentences.
- Unsolicited messages or calls: Be cautious of unexpected messages or calls promising loan forgiveness. Remember that scams can be simple, such as a promise to work fast and save you money.
- Requests for upfront fees or immediate forgiveness: Legitimate loan servicers will never pressure you to pay upfront fees or try to make you sign a contract on the spot. They also cannot promise immediate loan forgiveness or debt cancellation.
- Personal information access: Some scammers may have access to your personal information, such as your student loan balance or details. Even if they seem to know specific information, always verify their legitimacy and never provide your credit card number without understanding how they will help you.
Steps to Take if You Suspect a Scam
- Contact your loan servicer: Get in touch with your federal loan servicer to ensure no unwanted actions have been taken on your loans. You can also revoke any unauthorized agreements they may have on file.
- Stop payments: Contact your bank or credit card company immediately to stop all payments to the company that is potentially scamming you.
- File a complaint: Submit a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission, your state's attorney general, or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). You can also alert your student loan servicer and instruct them to provide information only to you.
- Change your password: If you believe you have been scammed through your StudentAid.gov account or have shared your login details with a suspected scammer, change your password as soon as possible.
Remember, you don't need to pay someone to help you navigate loan repayment or loan forgiveness. Your loan servicer can assist you in finding the right program, and legitimate loan forgiveness programs are always free. Always use caution and verify the legitimacy of any company or individual offering loan forgiveness assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
The PSLF Program was established in 2007 to encourage Americans to enter the public service sector. It promises to forgive the remaining federal student debt of workers who provide 10 years of public service while making 120 monthly payments on their federal student loans.
You can use the Education Department's PSLF Help Tool to find out your eligibility based on your loan type and employer. Only Direct Loans qualify for forgiveness under PSLF.
You can apply with your FSA ID through the Department of Education's PSLF Help Tool. You can also get help from the NEA's Student Debt Navigator, which provides NEA members with free individualised support.
If your application was rejected, you can request a reconsideration online at studentaid.gov. You can submit one or more reconsideration requests to certify employment or payment determinations. You won't need to provide more documentation with your initial request, but you might have to provide more information following its review.
