The most generous IDR plan for eligible borrowers. Cap payments at 10% of discretionary income with forgiveness after just 20 years.
Pay As You Earn (PAYE) is often the best IDR option for eligible borrowers, offering the lowest payments and shortest forgiveness timeline for undergraduate loans.
Your monthly payment is always capped at 10% of your discretionary income, never more than the 10-year standard plan amount.
Any remaining loan balance is completely forgiven after 20 years of qualifying payments - the shortest timeline available.
Must be a new borrower as of October 1, 2007, and received a disbursement of a Direct Loan on or after October 1, 2011.
Government pays 100% of unpaid interest on subsidized loans for up to 3 consecutive years if payments don't cover interest.
*Example based on $50,000 income, family size of 1
*Assumes income stays constant. Actual payments may vary based on income changes.
Don't navigate the complex application process alone. Our experts will handle everything and ensure you get the lowest possible payment.
We ensure your PAYE application is completed correctly the first time, avoiding delays and rejections that cost you money.
Our experts know exactly how to calculate and present your income to ensure you get the absolute lowest payment possible.
We handle all paperwork and follow up with your loan servicer to get your application processed as quickly as possible.
We provide continued assistance with annual recertifications and any issues that arise with your PAYE plan.
Speak with a PAYE specialist and get your application started in minutes.
✅ No upfront fees • ✅ 100% satisfaction guarantee
Here's exactly how we'll help you get approved for PAYE
We'll confirm you qualify for PAYE and estimate your new payment amount.
We'll tell you exactly which documents you need and help you gather them.
Our specialists complete and submit your application for optimal results.
We monitor your application status and handle any servicer requests.
We ensure your new PAYE payment is set up correctly and on time.
Annual recertification reminders and continued assistance as needed.
Under current law, loan forgiveness after 20 years of PAYE payments is considered taxable income. However, recent legislation has temporarily suspended the tax on forgiven student loan debt through 2025, and there are ongoing efforts to make this permanent. We'll keep you updated on any changes to tax implications.
Yes, if you're married, you can choose to file your taxes separately, and only your income will be considered for your PAYE payment calculation. This can result in lower payments if your spouse has a high income. However, filing separately may result in losing certain tax benefits, so consult with a tax professional.