SAVE Plan Ending 2026: Your Switching Guide
The SAVE plan has been declared unlawful and is being discontinued. Starting July 1, 2026, servicers will notify all 7.5 million SAVE borrowers to switch to a new repayment plan within 90 days. Use this guide to compare your options and find the best replacement plan.
Important Deadline: You have 90 days from your servicer's notice (starting July 1, 2026) to choose a new repayment plan. If you don't act by approximately September 30, 2026, you'll be auto-enrolled in the Standard or Tiered Standard plan.
PAYE also closes to new applicants July 1, 2026. For some SAVE borrowers, especially higher-income borrowers with manageable balances, PAYE produces a lower monthly payment than RAP or IBR. If you may want PAYE, apply before July 1, not after your servicer notice arrives. See the PAYE last-chance guide »
SAVE Plan Transition Wizard
Your Status
Loan Details
Comparison
Recommendation
Step 1: Confirm Your SAVE Plan Status
Are you currently on the SAVE repayment plan?
Step 2: Enter Your Loan Details
Step 3: See Your Plan Comparison
Your Current SAVE Payment vs. RAP Replacement (After July 1, 2026)
Current Monthly Payment
$0
New Monthly Payment (SAVE)
$0
Estimated Monthly Savings
$0
Step 4: Your Personalized Recommendation
Based on your information, your personalized recommendation will appear here.
SAVE Plan Is Ending: What You Need to Know
SAVE Has Been Declared Unlawful
The Department of Education has declared the SAVE plan unlawful and reached an agreement to end it. Starting July 1, 2026, loan servicers will send notices to all 7.5 million SAVE borrowers instructing them to switch to a legal repayment plan within 90 days. SAVE forbearance will end by September 30, 2026.
Your Replacement Plan Options
You must choose one of these repayment plans to replace SAVE:
- RAP (Repayment Assistance Plan): New income-driven plan. Payments are 1-10% of AGI based on income tier, with a $10/month minimum and $50/month reduction per dependent. No $0 payment option.
- Standard Repayment Plan: Fixed monthly payments over 10 years.
- Tiered Standard Plan (new): Fixed payments over 10, 15, 20, or 25 years based on your total balance. Lower monthly payments for higher balances.
- Current IBR: If you're already eligible, you can switch to Income-Based Repayment.
Key Differences: SAVE vs. RAP
RAP replaces SAVE as the only income-driven repayment option for new borrowers. Key differences:
- No $0 payments: RAP has a $10/month minimum for all borrowers (SAVE allowed $0)
- Principal protection: RAP shields on-time borrowers from runaway interest and ensures principal reduction
- Income tiers: Payments range from 1% (225-275% FPL) to 10% (above 475% FPL) of discretionary income
- Dependent reduction: $50/month deduction per eligible dependent
What You Need to Do
- Don't wait for the notice: You can proactively switch plans now by contacting your servicer or visiting studentaid.gov
- Compare your options: Use the wizard above to see how RAP, Standard, and Tiered Standard payments compare
- Act within 90 days: Once you receive your servicer's notice (starting July 1), you have 90 days to choose a plan
- Default enrollment: If you don't act, you'll be auto-enrolled in the Standard or Tiered Standard plan — which may mean higher payments than RAP
Frequently Asked Questions
What is happening to the SAVE plan? +
The SAVE plan has been declared unlawful by the Department of Education and is being permanently discontinued. Starting July 1, 2026, loan servicers will send notices to all SAVE borrowers instructing them to choose a new repayment plan within 90 days. Your replacement options include the new RAP plan, Standard plan, or the new Tiered Standard plan. Use the comparison tool above to see which option works best for you.
What is "discretionary income"? +
Discretionary income is your adjusted gross income minus 225% of the federal poverty line for your family size. This is the amount the government considers available for loan payments after basic living expenses.
What happens if I don't switch plans by the deadline? +
If you don't choose a new repayment plan within 90 days of receiving your servicer's notice, you'll be automatically enrolled in either the Standard Repayment Plan or the new Tiered Standard Plan. This may result in higher monthly payments than if you proactively switched to the RAP plan. To get the most affordable option, contact your servicer or visit studentaid.gov now.
What are my best options if I'm on SAVE? +
If you want income-driven payments, the new RAP plan is your best replacement. RAP charges 1-10% of AGI with a $10/month minimum and $50/month reduction per dependent. If you prefer predictable fixed payments, consider the Standard plan (10-year term) or the new Tiered Standard plan (10-25 years based on balance). Use the comparison wizard above to see which option gives you the lowest payment.
How do I switch from SAVE to another plan? +
Contact your loan servicer directly or visit studentaid.gov to select a new repayment plan. You'll need recent tax returns or income documentation if enrolling in RAP. You can switch plans now without waiting for your servicer's July 1 notice — switching proactively gives you more time to evaluate options and avoid being auto-enrolled in the Standard plan.