An income-driven repayment (IDR) plan bases your monthly student loan payment amount on your income and family size. 

Most federal student loans are eligible for at least one income-driven repayment plan.

Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans

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Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans

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All PLUS loans made to students

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Eligibility varies by plan, loan type, and disbursement history. A new Direct Loan, including a Direct Consolidation Loan, received on or after July 1, 2026 restricts your Direct Loans to Tiered Standard or RAP, as applicable. Parent PLUS Loans and consolidation loans that repay Parent PLUS Loans cannot use RAP. Certain older consolidation loans that repaid Parent PLUS Loans may qualify for ICR and a subsequent transition to IBR under federal eligibility rules.

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Some loans are eligible if consolidated. Check Eligibility for more information.

Payment calculations vary by plan. IBR, PAYE, and ICR use plan-specific discretionary income rules. RAP uses adjusted gross income and tax dependents, with a $10 monthly minimum.

Payments may change when your income or applicable family or dependent information changes.

IBR generally provides remaining-balance forgiveness after 20 or 25 years of qualifying payments, depending on borrowing history. PAYE generally has a 20-year qualifying repayment period; ICR generally has 25 years.

Under RAP, remaining balances may be discharged after 360 qualifying monthly payments over at least 30 years. PAYE and ICR will end no later than July 1, 2028.

Partial financial hardship is not required to enroll in IBR, ICR, or RAP. PAYE has additional eligibility requirements, including a partial financial hardship requirement.

Monthly payments and total repayment costs vary by plan and borrower. Forgiven amounts may be taxable.