Quick IDR estimate

IDR Payment Estimator

Estimate student loan payments under income-driven repayment plans and see whether RAP, IBR, PAYE, or ICR deserves your first official check.

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Calculator assumptions and limits

These tools provide planning estimates only. Your loan servicer and StudentAid.gov determine your final eligibility, payment amount, due date, and forgiveness credit.

Show calculation assumptions
  • This estimator uses simplified IDR formulas to compare planning estimates across current repayment options.
  • It does not verify borrower history, loan type, Parent PLUS treatment, PSLF employment, or servicer processing rules.
  • Use official StudentAid.gov tools before submitting a plan choice or relying on a payment deadline.

Official sources to verify before acting

How to Use This IDR Payment Estimator

1

Enter AGI

Use adjusted gross income from your tax return or a current-income estimate.

2

Add household size

Include the family size you expect to use for repayment documentation.

3

Compare plans

Review RAP, IBR, PAYE, and ICR side by side.

4

Verify officially

Confirm eligibility and final payment through StudentAid.gov or your servicer.

Use the estimator for planning

  • - Comparing income-driven repayment options before a servicer deadline.
  • - Seeing whether household size materially changes your estimate.
  • - Checking whether an IDR plan may fit a PSLF strategy.

Do not use it as a final bill

  • - It cannot confirm official eligibility.
  • - It cannot apply borrower-history exceptions.
  • - It cannot certify PSLF employment or payment counts.

Related Calculators

Income-Driven Repayment Calculator

Use the broader IDR comparison page for detailed plan guidance.

Income-Based Repayment Calculator

Focus on IBR and income-based repayment search intent.

PSLF Calculator

Estimate forgiveness if public service is part of your plan.

SAVE and IDR deadline calculator

Use this if your servicer gave you a plan-selection or recertification deadline.

PAYE payment calculator

Check whether PAYE beats IBR or RAP for your income and family size.

Parent PLUS RAP eligibility

Verify whether Parent PLUS loans need a separate path.

Using the estimator before an IDR deadline

If your servicer gave you an IDR recertification deadline, SAVE transition deadline, or plan-selection deadline, run estimates before the final week. Compare RAP, IBR, PAYE, and ICR, then save the confirmation from your official application or servicer account.

SAVE and IDR deadline calculatorAsk your servicer for the deadline

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an IDR payment estimator?

An IDR payment estimator is a planning tool that approximates income-driven repayment payments using income and household size. It can help you compare RAP, IBR, PAYE, and ICR before you complete the official IDR application or confirm your bill with a loan servicer.

What information do I need for an IDR estimate?

Start with adjusted gross income and household size. For a complete repayment decision, also check loan type, loan balance, interest rate, spouse income treatment, Parent PLUS history, PSLF goals, and any official servicer notice about plan changes or recertification.

Can this help with an IDR deadline?

Yes, as a planning step. If you have a servicer deadline, use this estimator to compare plans early, then use the deadline calculator or your servicer notice to confirm the exact date.

Is the lowest IDR estimate always the best plan?

No. A lower monthly payment can be helpful, but it is not the only factor. Compare forgiveness timing, PSLF eligibility, interest treatment, loan type restrictions, spouse-income rules, and whether the plan is available for your borrower history before applying.

Can this estimator replace StudentAid.gov?

No. This estimator is for planning only. StudentAid.gov, the official Loan Simulator, the IDR application, and your loan servicer determine final eligibility, payment amount, qualifying payment credit, and documentation requirements.

Official sources for IDR payment estimates