Where you stand

Last verified Oct 17, 2026

You borrowed on or after July 1, 2026

At least one of your Direct Loans, or a Direct Consolidation Loan, was first paid out on or after July 1, 2026.

1. 1 What you can pick

   • RAP: payment from your income and dependents, forgiveness after 30 years.
   • Tiered Standard: fixed payment over 10, 15, 20 or 25 years depending on your balance.
   • This applies to all of your Direct Loans, including older ones. You can switch between the two at any time.

2. 2 What each costs

   Your payment depends on your income, household and balance. Compare the plans with your numbers

3. 3 What to do next

   • Your first bill comes after your six-month grace period, due within 60 days of entering repayment.
   • If you don’t pick a plan you are placed in Tiered Standard.
   • RAP’s interest waiver and principal match need on-time, full payments; auto pay is one way to keep them.

Read more

• Borrowed on or after July 1, 2026? You have two plans, for all your loans→
• The Tiered Standard Plan explained→
• When your first payment is due, and the key dates through 2028→

Not financial or legal advice. This page sums up the published rules for this situation. It can’t account for your full loan history; your servicer and StudentAid.gov have your actual record.

Official sources

1. Public Law 119-21 (H.R. 1, signed July 4, 2025), Title VIII, Secs. 81001–82004
2. 34 CFR 685.208, fixed payment plans including Tiered Standard (current eCFR)
3. 34 CFR 685.209, income-driven repayment plans (current eCFR, as amended May 1, 2026)
4. StudentAid.gov: One Big Beautiful Bill Act – Important Definitions (updated Aug. 24, 2026)
5. StudentAid.gov: SAVE Plan Borrowers – FAQs About Choosing a Different Repayment Plan (October 2026)
6. 34 CFR 685.207, obligation to repay and grace periods (current eCFR)
7. U.S. Department of Education press release, Sept. 29, 2026: enrollment period extended