How to apply for public service loan forgiveness in 5 steps

How to apply for public service loan forgiveness in 5 stepsHow to apply for public service loan forgiveness in 5 stepsThink you might qualify to get your federal student loans forgiven under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program? Heres a step-by-step on how to qualify - and how to get your loans forgiven.1. Get a full-time job with a qualifying employerPSLF exists to reward people who work in public service, so the determining factor in whether you qualify for PSLF is who your employer is.Generally, the following types of employers qualify for PSLFFederal, state, local, or tribal government organizations.501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.Non-501(c)(3) nonprofits that provide public services as their primary mission.You generally have to be employed full-time at a qualifying organization to qualify for PSLF. However, if youre a volunteer in the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps, you can also qualify.2. Enroll in a qualifying repayment planTo qualify for PSLF, you have to be enro lled in one of four income-driven repayment plans. These have a payment term of 20-25 years.Technically, you can also be enrolled in the voreingestellt Repayment Plan- which is the default plan you get enrolled in when you start to pay off your federal loans.The issue with that, though, is that the Standard Repayment Plan is a 10-year term. And under PSLF, you have to make 120 payments to get your loans forgiven - which takes about 10 years. That means your loan forgiveness kicks in just as you make your last payment.Bear in mind, too, that the Standard Repayment Plan for Direct Consolidation Loans is different than the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan- and it doesnt qualify for PSLF. If you have any doubts about whether youre in the right payment plan to qualify for PSLF, call your lender ASAP.3. Make 120 qualifying paymentsWhat is a qualifying payment? Were glad you asked. To qualify, your payment must beMade after Oct. 1, 2007.Made under an income-driven repayment plan.For the to tal payment amount shown on your bill.No later than 15 days after the bill is due.While youre working full-time for a qualifying employer.You cant make qualifying payments toward PSLF whileWorking for a non-qualifying employerYour loans are in deferment or forbearanceYoure in school, orYoure in a repayment grace period.4. Complete the employment certification for PSLF gestaltThis form needs to be completed and sent in both once a year and whenever you change employers.This form documents and ensures that youre working for a qualifying employer while you make payments. If you dont do this, you could apply for forgiveness in ten years only to find that none of your payments qualified.You also have to get your employer to certify this document. Usually, the appropriate person is either someone in your Human Resources department, or your direct supervisor. Check with your employer to find out whos authorized.Once its ready, send the form to this addressUS Department of EducationFedLoan ServicingPO Box 69184Harrisburg, PA 17106-9184Once the government receives your form, it will notify you whether your employer and loans qualify, or whether they need more documentation. Theyll also tell you how many qualifying payments youve made and how far you have to go.5. Submit your PSLF applicationOnce youve made your 120 qualifying payments, your loan wont automatically be forgiven. To start the process, youll have to submit another form after youve made your 120th qualifying payment.That form is the PSLF application.To qualify, you have to be working full-time for a qualifying employer- both when you submit the form and when your loan is forgiven. So yes, youll need to have your employer certify your employment on this form as well.Getting your student loans forgiven under PSLF is a decade-long odyssey. But its possible. Follow these instructions, and hopefully youll get your loans forgiven.Dont qualify for PSLF? Learn about refinancing your student loans to lower your mont hly payment or pay off your debt faster.Thisarticlefirst appeared onComet Financial.