Student Loan Forgiveness Applications and Forms: Complete Guide

Updated on November 6, 2024

Quick Facts

You can find most student loan forgiveness forms on the Federal Student Aid website. It provides easy access to applications for programs like PSLF, IDR forgiveness, and Disability Discharge.
Most forgiveness programs do not have strict application deadlines, but eligibility requirements must be met. Past programs with specific deadlines, like the PSLF Waiver, are exceptions.
Processing times for forgiveness applications vary by program and can range from weeks to several months.

Overview

Trying to figure out student loan forgiveness can feel like an uphill battle, especially when you don’t even know where to start with your student loan debt.

There are many programs out there—some based on your job, others on how long you’ve had your loans, and others based on factors like where you went to school or if you have a disability. It’s normal to feel lost.

Our team has helped borrowers like you for over a decade—people who felt unsure about their options, disappointed by past denials, or weighed down by growing debt. While forgiveness can seem complicated, the basic options are simple:

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – For people working in government, non-profits, or other public sector jobs.
Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Forgiveness – For people who’ve been on an income-based plan for many years.
Other Specialized Programs – For certain schools, disabilities, or unique situations.

In this guide, I’ll help make things clear and show you a simple path toward loan forgiveness. You’ll find easy explanations of the main forgiveness programs, plus direct links to forms and steps you’ll need. Even if you’ve been frustrated in the past, this guide is here to help you find relief.

Bookmark this page so you can check back for updates—I’ll add any policy changes or new options that might help you. Let’s get started and find the right forgiveness path for you!

Related

Forgiveness Options at a Glance

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Who qualifies? Borrowers working in government, non-profit roles, or other eligible public sector jobs.
What’s required? At least 10 years of qualifying payments while employed full-time in a qualifying role.
Key forms: Employment Certification Form (to verify qualifying employment), PSLF application after 10 years of service. A best practice is to submit the PSLF Form annually.

Income-Driven Repayment Forgiveness

Who qualifies? Borrowers who’ve been in an income-driven repayment plan (like IBR or PAYE) for 20-25 years.
What’s required? Consistent monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan, with potential retroactive credit from past forbearances or deferments due to the one-time account adjustment.
Key forms: IDR Plan application (to enter or recertify a plan); no separate forgiveness application required once the time threshold is met.

Forgiveness for Borrowers from Predatory Schools

Who qualifies? Borrowers who attended certain schools engaged in misconduct or those with loans eligible for discharge due to predatory lending practices.
What’s required? Proof of school misconduct or predatory loan terms.
Key forms: Borrower Defense to Repayment application or other relevant discharge forms.

Disability Discharge

Who qualifies? Borrowers who are totally and permanently disabled.
What’s required? Documentation of permanent disability from the Social Security Administration or a physician.
Key forms: Total and Permanent Disability Discharge application (quickest path to forgiveness for those eligible).

For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website to download forms, confirm eligibility, and access additional guidance on each forgiveness program.

Federal vs. Private Loans

Most forgiveness programs apply only to federal student loans overseen by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal loans include:

Direct Loans, including Direct Consolidation Loans
Federal Family Education Loans, including Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans
Federal Perkins Loans

Private loans generally aren’t eligible for forgiveness, which covers about 90% of student loan borrowers. If you’re holding private loans, be cautious of any services that promise blanket forgiveness—they’re often misleading. You may read our guide regarding this matter: Can Private Student Loans Be Forgiven? A Guide

Related

Find Your Path to Forgiveness

Not sure where to start? This section helps you find the right information quickly based on where you are in the process:

If you’re new to loan forgiveness: Start with the Program Overviews we discussed above, where we break down the main options and what you need to qualify for.
If you’re exploring options for public service or income-driven forgiveness: Go to our articles on the PSLF Program and IDR Forgiveness for step-by-step guidance on forms, requirements, and timelines.
If you’ve had issues or been denied forgiveness before: Check out our FAQ section down below. We troubleshoot common roadblocks and clarify the next steps.
If you’re looking for specialized programs: Head to our articles for Borrower Defense to Repayment and What Disabilities Qualify for Student Loan Forgiveness to see if you qualify for one of these targeted forgiveness options.

What About Biden’s Forgiveness Programs?

President Biden first introduced a plan to cancel $10,000 to $20,000 in student loans per borrower, but the Supreme Court blocked it.

After that, the administration proposed a backup plan, “Plan B,” under the Higher Education Act, focusing on borrowers with high debt or long repayment histories. But, this plan also hit legal roadblocks and is currently on hold.

Right now, the Department of Education is working on a new forgiveness plan focused on borrowers struggling with debt and at risk of default. This plan would offer automatic relief for high-risk borrowers and provide a new application to measure financial hardship.

Legal challenges are ongoing, and the plan isn’t expected to be finalized until 2025, but it reflects Biden’s continued efforts toward student debt relief.

Related: Biden Student Loan Forgiveness

FAQs

Where can I find and download the necessary forms for student loan forgiveness?

You can find federal student loan forgiveness forms on the Federal Student Aid website, including PSLF, IDR forgiveness, Borrower Defense, and Total and Permanent Disability Discharge forms. Direct links to each program’s form are available on the FSA site for easy access.

What are the deadlines to apply for student loan forgiveness, and is it ever too late to apply?

There are no deadlines for applying to standard forgiveness programs like PSLF or IDR forgiveness. While past programs had deadlines (e.g., PSLF Waiver or one-time adjustments), these have ended. For ongoing programs, you can apply at any time if you meet eligibility requirements.

How can I find out if I qualify for one or more student loan forgiveness programs?

Eligibility depends on factors like employment type, loan type, and repayment history. For PSLF, you need qualifying public service employment; for IDR forgiveness, you need 20-25 years of payments. Check eligibility on the Federal Student Aid site or consult this page for program specifics.

What’s required to certify my employment for Public Service Loan Forgiveness?

To certify employment for PSLF, submit an Employment Certification Form annually or when you change jobs. This form verifies that your employer qualifies under PSLF rules. You can find and download the ECF on the FSA website or this page.

What counts towards the 20 or 25 years required for IDR forgiveness?

Qualifying time includes months in an income-driven repayment plan or retroactive forbearance periods under the one-time adjustment. Standard, graduated, and extended plans don’t count. Your loan servicer tracks this, but you can confirm your progress via your FSA account.

What happens if I’ve been denied forgiveness in the past? Can I apply again?

Yes, you can reapply if your circumstances have changed—such as switching to Direct Loans, beginning qualifying public service, or qualifying for disability discharge. There’s no limit on reapplications, but ensure your eligibility criteria align with the forgiveness program’s requirements.

Does loan forgiveness cover both federal and private student loans?

Almost all forgiveness programs apply only to federal student loans. Private loans generally aren’t eligible for forgiveness, except in limited cases like Navient’s misconduct discharge program. Federal loans include options like PSLF, IDR forgiveness, and Borrower Defense to Repayment.

How long does it take to process a forgiveness application, and what happens to my loan balance in the meantime?

Processing times vary: PSLF takes about 4-6 months, IDR forgiveness takes several months, disability discharge takes around 4-6 weeks, and Borrower Defense can take years. During processing, loans remain in repayment, but they may enter administrative forbearance until a decision is made.

What should I do if I’ve been in forbearance or deferment? Do these periods count toward forgiveness?

Under recent adjustments, some past forbearance or deferment periods may count toward forgiveness, especially for IDR. Typically, the only time in an active repayment plan qualifies, but the one-time account adjustment retroactively credits certain forbearances. Check your updated payment count with your loan servicer.

How can I avoid common mistakes that lead to delays or denials?

To avoid delays, confirm your eligibility, fill out forms accurately, and ensure information is legible if handwritten. Avoid using digital-looking signatures and check each section for errors. Regularly certify employment for PSLF and keep copies of all forms and communications.

Bottom Line

Student loan forgiveness can feel overwhelming, but we’ve compiled the essential forms to help simplify the process. You can focus on the main programs—such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness, IDR forgiveness, Borrower Defense, and Disability Discharge—that can help you find the right option.

Most federal forgiveness programs are based on factors like your job, loan history, or specific circumstances, such as a disability or school issues.

As you explore these options, remember to check each program’s requirements, keep track of forms, and meet any deadlines.

For additional support, book a consultation with our student loan lawyers, who can guide you through the application process and make it easier to pursue forgiveness.