Parent PLUS loan forgiveness and repayment
Parent PLUS loan forgiveness is still available, but these loans can't use RAP. Before July 1, 2026, had you consolidated? If that's the case, ICR and PSLF still work for you. By June 30, 2028, ICR users have chosen a different plan. If you consolidate right now, Tiered Standard is all you get.
- Parent PLUS loans: no RAP
- ICR forgiveness takes 25 years
- June 30, 2028ICR users choose a new plan by
- Loans from July 1, 2026 on: Tiered Standard only
Why RAP isn't available for Parent PLUS
RAP isn't an option for Parent PLUS loans, or for consolidation loans that repaid them. It applies to the money you borrowed for your child's schooling.
The plans you keep
If you took out Parent PLUS loans before RAP opened, the Standard Plan is available. If you already consolidated them, ICR is an option for you. You pay 20% of discretionary income. Both PAYE and ICR go away no later than July 1, 2028.
Parent PLUS loan consolidation and ICR
Direct Loans qualify for ICR, as do consolidation loans that paid off parent PLUS loans. When a consolidation includes parent PLUS loans and is dated July 1, 2026 or later, only Tiered Standard applies, and it isn't PSLF eligible. Robert has Parent PLUS loans from 2019 to pay back, and he earns $58,000. No consolidation has happened for him. If he consolidates now, only Tiered Standard applies and he gets no PSLF credit.
Loans taken out after July 1, 2026
Starting July 1, 2026, the only plan for any parent PLUS loan first disbursed then or later is the Tiered Standard Plan. Those loans have no income-driven option.
Parent PLUS loan forgiveness through PSLF
After 120 qualifying monthly payments made while you work full-time for an eligible employer, PSLF forgives the remaining Direct Loan balance. Parents working for an eligible employer can qualify as well. The plan your payments are on must be one that counts. For PSLF purposes, Tiered Standard doesn't count.
Guides related to this topic
Questions people have
Can you get loan forgiveness for Parent PLUS loans?
Yes, you can get forgiveness through PSLF or ICR if your consolidation happened before July 1, 2026.
After 10 years, are Parent PLUS loans forgiven?
Forgiveness is available only through PSLF, after you've made 120 qualifying payments while working for an eligible employer.
What does consolidating my Parent PLUS loans now mean for me?
If a consolidation dated July 1, 2026 or later includes parent PLUS loans, only Tiered Standard applies, and it isn't eligible for PSLF.
References: Federal Student Aid, RAP definitions and Federal Student Aid, consolidation.