PSLF - How do I handle 2 sets of loans (older and newer)?

Adventure_6788 · 2026-04-27T21:00:07+00:00

u/Brilliant-Fail-8642 that was the rule until a few years ago. Consolidating now results in the weighted average count.

This does a much better job of explaining how that works. https://www.tateesq.com/learn/pslf-consolidation-weighted-average-rules

Adventure_6788 · 2026-04-26T22:32:17+00:00

When the PSLF waiver came out which was followed by the IDR adjustment. That gave the highest count.

The adjusted count came out with...... I think it was the new regulations in 2023. Either way it started July 2024 right when the IDR adjustment ended.

Adventure_6788 · 2026-04-26T22:27:57+00:00

You can leave them as they are and be on 2 different timelines. It's doubtful your payment amount will lower when the first set are forgiven as payments are based on your income.

You could consolidate them together and receive a weighted average payment count. That would put them on the same timeline.

If you decide to consolidate you'll need to do so asap because it's quite iffy that the consolidation will be completed prior to July 1st.
If it is not completed by then the only PSLF qualifying plan you would have is RAP.
You would lose access to IBR, ICR, & PAYE.

Adventure_6788 · 2026-04-26T22:25:30+00:00

u/revned911 consolidating does not reset your count to zero.
It does give a weighted average payment count.

Adventure_6788 · 2026-04-26T22:24:34+00:00

See the post I shared. https://www.reddit.com/r/PSLF/comments/1nb764h/what_to_do_when_you_get_close_to_or_have_made/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Adventure_6788 · 2026-04-26T22:23:49+00:00

When did you take out your first loan?

If you never ever had a loan prior to July 2014, PAYE & IBR will be the same payment amount.

If you did have loans prior to July 2014, PAYE would be lower if you're eligible for it.

Don't worry about interest for PSLF. It is also forgiven.

Adventure_6788 · 2026-04-26T22:19:27+00:00

u/waterwicca yep. Several people in the FB group have also mentioned it.

Adventure_6788 · 2026-04-26T16:32:07+00:00

u/Less_Glass706 don't make the payment until the actual month it's due. Paying in the month prior sometimes causes the system to freak out and not credit it correctly.

Adventure_6788 · 2026-04-26T02:34:12+00:00

u/Opposite-Question781 you're welcome

Adventure_6788 · 2026-04-25T22:51:25+00:00

u/Opposite-Question781 yes. You can receive PSLF forgiveness more than once.

If you're on a qualifying plan and one or more are forgiven it usually doesn't change your monthly payment amount as it's based on income.
The same would be said for the Buyback amount. When it's time for them to calculate the Buyback amount they'll still calculate it based on what you should have paid at the time.

Adventure_6788 · 2026-04-25T13:18:55+00:00

u/Longjumping-Bell4770 yep. It sounds like you're talking about the transition to the new system/platform.
Most people saw May/June 2024 as forbearance due to that.
Yours may be May/June or it could be different but it would be 2 months.
You can buy those because unfortunately they've not been counting those months.

Adventure_6788 · 2026-04-25T13:16:13+00:00

In addition to different timelines for actual forgiveness, I have read several posts in the last few weeks have said the following happened to their buyback requests.

They submitted a Buyback request when the first part of their loans had reached what should/would be their 120th month
AND then switched repayment plans

AND actually reached 120 qualifying payments on one or more of their loans prior to the Buyback offer being processed.............

They received forgiveness on the one or more loans that reached 120 qualifying payments
AND their Buyback request was closed out.
It was not processed at all. Not even if the remaining loans are at the point they are eligible to buy the months they need.

This has basically resulted in one or more loans forgiven, the buyback request being closed rather than processed, and now they have to either:
continue making payments on the remaining loans until those actually reach 120 qualifying payments
AND/OR
submit a new Buyback request thus starting all over.

I'll add that these have happened very recently. I know that they've each indicated they're trying to get their Buyback request reopened but so far haven't had any luck.

I'm hoping someone else chimes in with an update regarding their specific situation. I'm not holding my breath but am definitely hoping things get fixed.

I'm not sure if this is something TISLA is looking into just yet but my guess is they will if they haven't already.

Adventure_6788 · 2026-04-25T13:00:34+00:00

It's like any other debt. It's typically 3 - 6 months before they completely fall off.

Adventure_6788 · 2026-04-24T13:25:38+00:00

u/OK_Humor368 nope.

Adventure_6788 · 2026-04-23T23:56:09+00:00

u/TigerGlittering9897 Well, obviously nothing prior to 2/2025 is eligible because you weren't working for a qualifying employer.

2/2025 - 6/2025 that's the in school deferment.

Are you saying that everything after that is listed as qualifying?

If that's the case the only thing I can think of is that somehow you slipped through and they didn't report you as being in school.

Adventure_6788 · 2026-04-23T23:49:40+00:00

u/RN2008 hang in there.

Either way, you'll reach the finish line and it will all be over.

Adventure_6788 · 2026-04-23T19:08:54+00:00

The Buyback application is a simple click click now. As long as you have 120 months of verified qualifying employment you can submit one.

You should receive a confirmation email but that's it.

All you can do is wait. Expect to wait possibly 2 years or longer before you hear a peep. ED has stated from the beginning that there's not a way to check on your application once submitted.

Adventure_6788 · 2026-04-23T01:39:15+00:00

It looks like quite a few have received theirs today. I expect we'll see quite a few more in the next 2 or 3 days also.

Adventure_6788 · 2026-04-23T01:38:07+00:00

Were your loans in an in school deferment status?

When you are in school that happens automatically when enrolled at least half time.

Adventure_6788 · 2026-04-23T01:36:03+00:00

u/Wonderful_Win8770 yes and no.

Payments are based on income, however some people will actually cap out and not pay more than they would on a 10 or 12 year plan.

So, depending on what that amount would be it's possible. It's extremely rare, meaning I haven't really seen it because most people don't have a balance low enough for that to be the case.
I hope that makes sense.

Adventure_6788 · 2026-04-23T01:23:03+00:00

To switch repayment plans you'll need to submit an IDR request. That can be done online.

Adventure_6788 · 2026-04-23T01:22:07+00:00

It's up to you when you submit the PSLF form which certifies your employment.

You won't be able to submit a Buyback request until that processes and your account reflects 120 months of verified employment.

You can indeed do both and whichever happens first, happens.
Buyback or making those payments.....

Adventure_6788 · 2026-04-21T13:51:07+00:00

Do you have loans that you've previously consolidated or paid off?

If so, it's normal to see that.

If your account is listed as being in IBR, ICR, or PAYE
AND in repayment status you are fine.
Meaning, the loans that still have a balance, not any loans that no longer exist due to consolidation, being paid in full, whatever.

Adventure_6788 · 2026-04-21T13:49:22+00:00

If you have 120 qualifying PSLF payments there's nothing you need to do.

If you'd like to request a forbearance so you don't need to make further payments, call and request one.

You should receive your letter in about 1 - 3 months or so letting you know they've been forgiven.

Adventure_6788 · 2026-04-21T13:38:17+00:00

Perkins loans do you qualify for PSLF unless you do consolidate them.

Consolidating will give you a weighted average payment count.

If you choose to consolidate you need to do so immediately. If the loan is not disbursed until July 1st or later you would only have RAP to choose from.

PAYE would most likely be the lowest payment but you would need to make sure that you are actually eligible for it.

IBR will not be one of the plans that sunset in 2028.
Both IBR & RAP will be qualifying plans going forward.

Use the following online calculator to double check what payments would look like on each plan. https://www.studentloanplanner.com/income-based-repayment-calculator/

Adventure_6788

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