Income-driven student loan repayment
Federal student loan payments based on your income and family size, which can be as low as $0 a month.
Apply on the official site ↗Goes to StudentAid.gov. Applying is free.
Who generally qualifies
People with federal student loans whose payments are high compared with their income.
Exact income limits and rules are set by U.S. Department of Education and can change. Check the official site for current details.
How to apply
- Log in at StudentAid.gov.
- Apply for an income-driven repayment plan.
- Recertify your income each year.
What to have ready
- StudentAid.gov login
- Income information
Common questions
- Does it cost anything to apply?
- No. Applying through the official site is free. Be wary of anyone who charges a fee to apply for you.
- Do I have to pay it back?
- No. It's a free or low-cost service, not a loan.
- Who decides if I qualify?
- U.S. Department of Education makes the final decision. This page explains the program in general terms only.
- Where can I find current income limits and amounts?
- Income limits, benefit amounts and deadlines change, so check StudentAid.gov for the latest details.
Link checked October 22, 2026. BenefitSearch is not affiliated with U.S. Department of Education.