Help a sleep deprived mom - in buyback purgatory, was PAYE before SAVE

Hi everyone, I’m doing my best to keep up and sift through posts and news articles while dealing with a newborn so help is appreciated!! This new “apply to keep PAYE now or never get it again” is throwing me for a loop

I do have a pending application to switch plans from 2 years ago (LOL)

Pre covid and SAVE I was PAYE, Ive been in SAVE forbearance forever, but hit 120 eligible employment months in Sept and applied for buyback

Do I need to re apply to PAYE now to keep eligibility even though once my buyback request is processed I won’t be making any monthly payments?

If I have to apply to keep PAYE now (even though I don’t plan to use it), can I remain in forbearance if I have not used any of my general allotment?

My loans have always been serviced by Nelnet

Thank you!!