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If you have federal student loans, you may be overwhelmed and confused by the barrage of announcements and information coming your way.
Below, we outline what we know, what we don’t, and some trusted resources to reference if you have more questions or need help. If you need individualized advice about your student loans, please contact your loan servicer or reach out to one of the other resources listed below. TICAS is unable to offer individualized advice to borrowers.
If you’re a current student, you can learn more about terms and conditions for federal student loans issued for the 2025-26 school year HERE.
Updated August 5, 2025
I’m worried about recent news about changes to my loan repayment options? What’s happening?
In July 2025, President Trump signed into law a massive legislative package that makes major changes to federal higher education policy. The law restructures the federal student loan repayment system. In the coming months, the Education Department will undertake a regulatory process to more clearly define how these changes will be implemented.
The law divides borrowers into two categories based on when they took out their loans. Borrowers with loans taken out before July 1, 2026, will retain access to some existing plans but lose access to others. Borrowers who take out loans after July 1, 2026 will have fewer options.
Read more on those changes HERE.
Where can I figure out my repayment plan options and apply for a plan?
You can compare current plan options and apply for a plan HERE. You will need to log in to your StudentAid.gov account with your username and password to submit the application.
I’m not sure how to find information on my loan account. Where do I look?
Log in to your StudentAid.gov account HERE.
I don’t know who my loan servicer is. How do I find out?
Log in to your StudentAid.gov account HERE, then visit your account dashboard and scroll down to the “My Loan Servicers” section.
I think I may be eligible for loan forgiveness. How do I find out?
You can review current loan forgiveness options HERE to see if you qualify to have some or all of your balance forgiven.
I’m enrolled in the SAVE Plan. Where can I find updates on my loan status?
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid provides official updates on the SAVE Plan HERE. This page is the most comprehensive official resource for announcements and information related to the SAVE Plan.
I’m working toward loan forgiveness in an income-based repayment plan. Where can I find updates on my payment progress?
The Education Department took down its payment tracking tool in April 2025. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in June 2025 that it would be back up “soon” but has given no further details. We will update this page as we know more.
I’m enrolled in the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) Plan and think I’ve made enough payments to be eligible for loan forgiveness. Why am I still receiving bills?
According to the Education Department: “Currently, IBR forgiveness is paused while our systems are updated to accurately count months not affected by the court’s injunction [related to the SAVE Plan]. IBR forgiveness will resume once those updates are completed.” We will update this page as we know more.
I’m applying for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Where can I find updates on my loan status?
You can check the status of your PSLF application by logging in to StudentAid.gov with your account username and password, and selecting “View All Activity” from your account Dashboard.
Visit the Federal Student Aid Help Center for more details and resources.
I’m worried about recent news about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. What’s happening?
In June/July 2025, the Education Department held a rulemaking session to consider new regulations that would restrict which employers qualify for the PSLF program. The proposed changes stem from President Trump’s Executive Order 14235, which aims to bar borrowers from receiving PSLF if they work for employers, including government agencies and nonprofits, that the Education Secretary deems involved in “substantially illegal activities.” This is a hotly contested regulation that experts fear could include activities that are not technically illegal but that are counter to administration priorities.
The Education Department is expected to release draft rules for public comment soon. Final rules are expected to take effect in July 2026, but this timing could change. We will update this page as we know more.
I can’t afford my loan payments. What are my options?
You have the following options to lower or pause your payments:
- First, check which repayment plan you’re in by logging in to your StudentAid.gov account HERE. Then, compare your plan options using the Federal Student Aid Loan Simulator. If you’d like to switch into a different plan such an income-based plan, you can apply HERE.
- If you’re already in an income-based plan and your income has changed, you can update your income information to have your monthly payment re-calculated HERE.
- If your monthly payments would still be unaffordable, you can temporarily pause your payments using deferment or forbearance. A deferment or forbearance allows you to temporarily stop making your federal student loan payments or temporarily reduce your monthly payment amount. Terms vary across options. Apply for a deferment or forbearance HERE.
I’ve tried getting help from my loan servicer but I still have unresolved issues. Where do I go from here?
- Submit a request to the Federal Student Aid Office of the Ombudsman. This is a neutral, informal, and confidential resource at the U.S. Department of Education to help resolve complaints about federal student loans. Get started HERE.
- Contact The Institute of Student Loan Advisors, which provides free student loan advice from trusted experts.
- Follow the National Consumer Law Center Student Loan Borrower Assistance Project, which provides free expert resources and can connect borrowers with legal assistance.
- Some states offer direct assistance through state student loan ombudsman offices. Find out if your state has an ombudsman HERE.
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