Stay on SAVE or Go Back to IBR?
I've got about $94k in grad loans dating back to 2006. I was on IBR with a $0 payment and less than 6 years until forgiveness. As with many folks, I decided to reconsolidate under the SAVE plan, which, given the cluster than is the DoEd, I regret doing. But here we are.
In February, I took a screenshot of my remaining payments on studentaid.gov and it said I have 69 left to go or 5 yrs 9mos. This is reflected in the backend info for IBR. But the backend info also says my earliest forgiveness date is 2036. So I'm super confused.
If I go back on IBR/IDR and I know my payment will be $0 because I make **** for money, so it makes sense to do that (IMO) since those $0 payments will start count toward forgiveness. But what I can't seem to figure out is what switching back means in terms of remaining payments until forgiveness. Will the term be extended now? I'd love any clarity y'all can provide. Thanks!
Posted Aug 5, 2025, 10:15 PM UTC