SAVE Plan Alternatives for 2026
SAVE has ended. Compare RAP, IBR, PAYE, ICR, and standard repayment options before your 90-day servicer deadline.
SAVE transition calculation assumptions
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
- SAVE is treated as ended for planning purposes based on the 2026 transition guidance already reflected on this site.
- RAP comparisons use public AGI-tier guidance, dependent reductions, and the stated minimum payment.
- This page helps compare replacement options, but your servicer notice controls your actual deadline and next-step requirements.
- Parent PLUS and consolidation history can materially change which plans are available.
Official sources to verify before acting
- U.S. Department of Education RAP fact sheet
Department guidance on the Repayment Assistance Plan.
- U.S. Department of Education repayment update
Department announcement covering 2026 repayment changes.
- Federal Student Aid repayment plans
Official federal repayment plan overview.
- Federal Student Aid IDR application
Official application path for income-driven repayment.
SAVE Plan Current Status
SAVE Ended by Court Order
A March 10, 2026 court order ended the SAVE Plan. Servicers are notifying borrowers between July 1 and August 15, 2026, and borrowers have 90 days from the notice date to select another plan.
What This Means for You
- • New applications: SAVE is no longer available as a repayment choice
- • Existing SAVE borrowers: Watch for your servicer notice and 90-day deadline
- • Need lower payments now: Compare RAP, IBR, PAYE, ICR, and standard repayment
- • PSLF borrowers: RAP can count toward PSLF if all other PSLF rules are met
IDR Plans Explained
RAP (Repayment Assistance Plan)
New 2026 IDR Plan • AGI-Based • Interest and Principal Benefits
Advantages:
- • Payments are based on 1-10% of AGI
- • $50 monthly reduction for each dependent
- • Unpaid monthly interest can be subsidized after full, on-time payments
- • Matching principal payment up to $50 when needed
Watch-outs:
- • $10 minimum monthly payment
- • No poverty-line income exclusion
- • 30-year forgiveness timeline outside PSLF
- • Parent PLUS consolidation loans are not eligible
Best for: Borrowers whose RAP payment is lower than IBR/PAYE/ICR, and borrowers who value the interest subsidy and principal progress benefits.
PAYE (Pay As You Earn)
Best Alternative to SAVE • Payment Cap • Strict Eligibility
Advantages:
- • 10% of discretionary income
- • Payment cap protects high earners
- • No interest capitalization if staying in plan
- • 20-year forgiveness timeline
Requirements:
- • First loan after Oct 2007 AND Oct 2011
- • Must show partial financial need
- • Direct Loans only (no Parent PLUS)
Best for: Recent graduates with high debt-to-income ratios who expect steady income growth but want protection if income spikes.
IBR (Income-Based Repayment)
Available to Most Borrowers • Flexible • Married Options
Advantages:
- • Available to all borrowers regardless of loan date
- • Can exclude spouse income if filing separately
- • 10-15% of discretionary income
Trade-offs:
- • Higher payments for newer borrowers (15%)
- • Interest capitalizes if you leave the plan
- • 20-25 year forgiveness (longer for older loans)
Best for: Borrowers with older loans who don't qualify for PAYE, or married borrowers who can benefit from filing taxes separately.
ICR (Income-Contingent Repayment)
Only Option for Parent PLUS • Highest Payments • Required for PSLF
The ONLY Option For:
- • Parent PLUS loan borrowers
- • FFEL Consolidation loans
- • Those who consolidated Parent PLUS loans
Plan Details:
- • 20% of discretionary income (highest!)
- • Always counts spouse income
- • 25-year forgiveness timeline
- • Must consolidate Parent PLUS first
Important: Parent PLUS borrowers MUST consolidate into Direct Loans and then enroll in ICR to qualify for PSLF. ICR is your only IDR option.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | SAVE | PAYE | IBR | ICR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payment % | 5-10% | 10% | 10-15% | 20% |
| Payment Cap | No | ✓ Yes | No | No |
| Forgiveness | 10-20 years | 20 years | 20-25 years | 25 years |
| Spouse Income | Separate | Separate | Separate | Always |
| Parent PLUS | No | No | No | ✓ Yes |
| Current Status | Blocked | Available | Available | Available |
Which Plan Should You Choose?
Do you have Parent PLUS loans?
→ ICR is your only option. Consolidate Parent PLUS into Direct Loans, then apply for ICR.
Are your loans after Oct 2007 & Oct 2011?
→ PAYE is likely best (similar to SAVE, with payment cap).
Married filing separately?
→ IBR or PAYE allows excluding spouse income (lower payments).
Expecting rapid income growth?
→ PAYE has payment cap if your income spikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need more information? Read our complete guide on understanding SAVE plan alternatives and compare all IDR plan options in detail.
Is SAVE still available?
No. A March 10, 2026 court order ended the SAVE Plan. Servicers are notifying borrowers beginning July 1, 2026.
Compare RAP, IBR, PAYE, ICR, and standard repayment before your 90-day deadline.
What is RAP?
RAP is the Repayment Assistance Plan, a new income-driven repayment option available beginning July 1, 2026. It uses 1-10% of AGI, subtracts $50 per dependent, and has a $10 minimum monthly payment.
What happens if I miss the SAVE transition deadline?
Your servicer may place you into a standard-style repayment plan, which can raise your monthly bill. Before the deadline, compare:
- • RAP
- • IBR, PAYE, or ICR if available for your loans
- • Tiered Standard or other standard repayment options
Apply through StudentAid.gov or your servicer once you choose a plan.
How do I apply for PAYE, IBR, or ICR?
All IDR applications go through the same process:
- Log in to StudentAid.gov/idr
- Select "Apply for an IDR Plan"
- Choose your preferred plan (you can select first choice and backup)
- Submit income documentation (tax return or alternative)
- Wait for servicer processing (typically 4-6 weeks)
What if I'm already in SAVE but want to switch?
You can proactively switch to PAYE/IBR/ICR at any time. Reasons to consider:
- • You want actual payments to count toward PSLF (not $0 forbearance)
- • You want payment certainty (forbearance ends when courts rule)
- • You want to lock in a specific plan before rules change
Apply through StudentAid.gov and select your new plan choice.
Calculate Your Specific Payments
Use our IDR calculator to see exactly what your monthly payment would be under each available plan based on your income and family size.