Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Forgives remaining federal student loans after 10 years of payments while working for government or a nonprofit.
Apply on the official site ↗Goes to StudentAid.gov. Applying is free.
Who generally qualifies
People with federal student loans working full time for government or a nonprofit.
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
- Use the PSLF help tool at StudentAid.gov.
- Certify your employment each year.
What to have ready
- Employer certification
- Loan records
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?
- Possibly. Some help must be repaid if you don't meet conditions, such as selling a home within a set time. Read the terms on the official site.
- 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.