Use this checklist to gather facts, compare official options, submit your own requests, and keep a record of what happens. Work at your own pace; you do not need to purchase a service to use federal tools.
Federal repayment programs and transition rules changed in 2026. Use the current official guidance for your own loan history. This guide is educational, not an eligibility decision, legal advice, or an official application.
Open your account by typing the official federal address yourself. Check the dashboard and loan details. Do not share your FSA ID password, one-time verification codes, or full Social Security number with a private business.
Federal Student Aid account ↗For each loan, record its type, servicer, current balance, principal if separately shown, interest rate, first-disbursement date, current status, and consolidation history. A single account can contain loans with different rules.
Review federal loan details ↗Check messages from your servicer and official StudentAid.gov notices, especially if you were previously on SAVE, have a payment coming due, or received a deadline. Do not rely on an old screenshot, social-media post, or an outdated plan explanation.
Current SAVE transition FAQ ↗Use the official Loan Simulator with verified facts. Loan dates, loan type, family size, income, dependents, and consolidation history can change the options. Our separate estimator is only an illustration; it cannot confirm eligibility or quote your servicer's actual payment.
For PSLF, verify eligible employment, eligible Direct Loans, and qualifying-payment history. Do not assume a lower payment or every fixed repayment plan counts. The current PSLF application form is linked directly below, alongside the online Help Tool.
Follow the current instructions for the program and your loan type. Review all information, signatures, employer certifications, and attachments before sending. Save the submission confirmation and a copy of what you submitted.
Official forms library ↗Record the date, confirmation number, next expected update, and who you contacted. Watch for requests for more information; use the official account or verified servicer contact details, not an unfamiliar link in a message.
Official repayment account guidance ↗Our optional support menu describes defined educational and administrative tasks. Federal tools and applications remain available directly and free through official sources.