How can you apply for student loan forgiveness in 2026?

Applying for student loan forgiveness in 2026 involves understanding the new repayment options and forgiveness programs available. Federal student loan borrowers should log in to their Federal Student Aid account to review their loans, balances, disbursement dates and repayment plans. Disbursement dates are crucial, as borrowers with loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2026, will primarily have access to the new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP).

To determine the appropriate forgiveness program, borrowers must consider their employment status and the type of loans they have. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is available for borrowers who work full-time for an eligible government or nonprofit employer and make 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan. Other options include Teacher Loan Forgiveness and specific discharge programs for borrowers meeting certain requirements.

Eligibility for repayment plans, such as RAP, Tiered Standard, PAYE, and ICR, depends on when the loans were disbursed. Borrowers should ensure they are on an eligible repayment plan before pursuing federal student loan forgiveness. Applying for forgiveness requires completing the appropriate application or certification for each program. For PSLF, borrowers can use the PSLF Help Tool to check their employer, obtain employment certification, and submit their PSLF form electronically.

It's essential to keep records of applications, employment certifications, and qualifying payments, as forgiveness can take years to earn. Regularly checking progress can help resolve discrepancies. Borrowers should also consider the implications of refinancing their student loans, as refinancing federal loans with a private lender can result in the loss of federal benefits, including income-driven repayment, PSLF, and certain discharge options.

Borrowers should weigh the potential savings against the loss of federal protections before deciding to refinance.