I'm pursuing PSLF and on the SAVE plan — with recent legal changes, should I switch?
- Melissa Maguire
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
For most borrowers pursuing PSLF, yes — you should strongly consider switching out of SAVE. Here’s why:
What’s Changed with SAVE and PSLF?
In 2024, the Department of Education placed many borrowers in SAVE into a general forbearance. This time does NOT count toward:
PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness)
IDR (Income-Driven Repayment) forgiveness
If you're working toward PSLF, this pause can delay your forgiveness timeline unless you act.
What Are Your Options?
If you're affected and want to stay on track for PSLF, you have two options:
Switch to a different IDR plan like IBR, PAYE, or ICR – These plans still count toward PSLF and can help keep you on track.
Use the PSLF Buyback Program – This new option allows borrowers to "buy back" the months lost in forbearance — but it comes with some conditions:
You must still owe a balance on your loans.
You must have qualifying employment for the months you're buying back.
You’ll need to pay at least what you would have paid under an IDR plan during those months.
You must have met the 120 qualifying PSLF payments.
Should Everyone Stay in SAVE and Use Buyback?
Not necessarily. Here’s our guidance:
If you’re within 6–12 months of PSLF forgiveness, staying in SAVE and applying for the buyback may make sense — but be ready to make a large payment to buy back missed months.
If you’re earlier in your PSLF journey, switching to another IDR plan now will help ensure that all your future payments continue to count.
Important Note: The PSLF Buyback Program is new. Borrowers are experiencing long delays, and there’s no clear timeline for decisions from the Department of Education.
Bottom Line:
If you're pursuing PSLF and currently on SAVE, don't wait and lose progress toward forgiveness.
Switch to a qualifying plan or explore buyback ASAP. And if you’re not sure what to do — we’re here to help. Log in today to explore the best path forward!
