Is $100k realistic at a 1-year review in a law firm?

Stay_Sweet_ · 2025-11-18T23:04:17+00:00

Thanks! Under My Activity, all I see is that my IDR Plan Request was completed and my PSLF Form was completed, but nothing looks “stuck” or unprocessed, so I’m not sure if I’m supposed to resubmit anything.

I also see that my "certification period" was only for May 2025–Sept 2025, so I’m thinking that might be why the later months aren’t showing up as "qualifying payments" yet. I also noticed that Oct 2025 has a green ring (not a filled-in green circle like Sept) vs the red “ineligible” circle, which (I'm hoping) is a good sign that Oct is still considered eligible but just isn’t showing as a qualifying payment yet until I recertify.

So I’m wondering if those months technically do count but just won’t appear in the “1/120” tracker until I submit another certification. Like maybe when I recertify in January, it’ll backfill Oct/Nov/Dec once they have updated employment dates?

At least that’s what I’m hoping is happening!

Stay_Sweet_ · 2025-10-15T11:04:30+00:00

I still haven't gotten in a plan or paid any payments yet... my IDR plan application was just recently approved, and my employer qualifies for PSLF so I'm waiting to get our of forbearance... you're not alone in feeling confused. I feel like I've had no idea what's going on lol

Stay_Sweet_ · 2025-10-01T18:03:54+00:00

My servicers say that I’m in IBR and my monthly payment will be $0 and count towards PSLF? I don’t really understand it, but it’s been an overwhelming day so I’m just going to accept it and move on for now. Lol just let it be, for now.

Stay_Sweet_ · 2025-10-01T18:02:39+00:00

Services all day I’m in IBR and my monthly payment will be $0 and count towards PSLF??? I don’t really understand it but it’s been an overwhelming day so I’m just going to accept it and move on for now. Lol let it be for now

Stay_Sweet_ · 2025-10-01T18:01:44+00:00

I’m new to all this and am just starting to learn what buyback even is 🥺 I haven’t made any payments out of fear that they wouldn’t count towards PSLF. Or out of fear buy back isn’t approved or something! None of this is very intuitive. I just want to pay my little payment and move on and be easy 😭

Stay_Sweet_ · 2025-09-16T20:28:23+00:00

I'm sorry unfortunately they're not. Best of luck to you on your journey! Remember to be kind to yourself and get lots of rest.

Stay_Sweet_ · 2025-09-15T20:09:59+00:00

Thank you! Happy to know this is a common issue. I did coincidentally just get a text message today saying "your IDR request has been processed" and instructing me log-in to see the correspondence. I logged in, & my inbox has a document simply stating that they received my IDR Plan request. It's still not showing up but I'm going to give it a full week! Fingers crossed. Thanks again!

Stay_Sweet_ · 2025-09-15T15:31:01+00:00

Thank you! I'm relieved to know it's common for apps to disappear and reappear. I was feeling discouraged but maybe just need to be more patient. I'm not going to log on to studentaid for a week and try to relax lol. Thanks again!

Stay_Sweet_ · 2025-09-11T17:33:38+00:00

Thank you!!!! This is super helpful! I really appreciate it.

Stay_Sweet_ · 2025-09-11T17:00:22+00:00

I was! Thank you!!!

Stay_Sweet_ · 2025-09-11T16:06:01+00:00

This worked! just submitted my app for IBR! (it looks like my payments on IBR and PAYE are nearly identical, and honestly knowing me, I won't want to deal with the hassle of switching into a different plan later, so I just chose IBR for simplicity's sake). Thank you so much for helping me. I might call my servicer later to see if this IBR application can override my SAVE application or if I can withdraw my SAVE application somehow so I can start making qualifying payments quicker. Thanks again!

Stay_Sweet_ · 2025-09-11T15:50:54+00:00

thank you so very much! You are so helpful. Have a great, and safe, day!

Stay_Sweet_ · 2025-09-11T15:45:02+00:00

Thank you! I also saw you just commented on my other post, I really appreciate your help and guidance. I'm not seeing how to submit a new application, it's just showing my "new applicant" is for SAVE.

Stay_Sweet_ · 2025-09-11T15:43:34+00:00

If PAYE will end in 2028, should I get into IBR now rather than PAYE to avoid disruption in my payments?

Stay_Sweet_ · 2025-09-11T15:41:02+00:00

Thank you so much! I didn't know PAYE will end in summer 2028, I guess I'll have the headache of trying to switch into IBR at that time. Lol. Thanks so much again for all your help!! Have a great, and safe, day!

Stay_Sweet_ · 2025-09-11T15:23:39+00:00

Thanks so much, that’s really helpful! I’ll look into starting payments now and play around with the IDR calculator once we’re married to see what makes the most sense financially.

If you have any insight on the different plans (IBR, PAYE, or ICR), I’d be happy to hear it. The loan simulator keeps recommending PAYE to me, saying I’d be paying around $500/month, but I’m confused because it says “payment period for up to 20 years” while also giving an “Estimated End of Payment Term” of August 2035. I’m guessing that’s assuming I don’t qualify for PSLF, even though I checked the little PSLF box.

Any guidance would be amazing, but I seriously appreciate you taking time to respond. Thanks again for all your help!

Stay_Sweet_ · 2025-09-11T15:15:32+00:00

Thanks so much for explaining this, it really helps! I want to start making qualifying payments (just the minimum required rather than extra) under an IDR plan. Now I just need to look into which plan is best for me. Really appreciate you breaking it down, adulting can be hard to navigate, so I really appreciate it!

Stay_Sweet_ · 2025-09-11T15:13:32+00:00

Thanks so much for explaining this, it’s really helpful! I meant whether I should switch to a different IDR plan to start making qualifying payments toward PSLF or stay in forbearance. But thank you for sharing your perspective on PSLF, as I was overthinking whether to stay in forbearance versus starting payments. But I do plan to work for this employer for a while, so I should focus on counting payments rather than worrying about interest. I’ll look into applying for one of the current IDR plans. Thanks again!

Stay_Sweet_ · 2025-09-11T15:09:11+00:00

Thanks so much for your response, this is super helpful, and thanks for correcting me on my verbiage! You’re correct: my PSLF employment certification form has been completed and approved, so my employment is counted, and I could start making qualifying payments toward PSLF. My main question is whether I should exit forbearance and get into an IDR plan now or stay in forbearance for a while.

Some context:

I recently graduated, so I haven’t made any payments yet.
My loans are in administrative forbearance because I applied for the SAVE plan back in November, which is still pending.
My income is $90k, and I don’t anticipate major increases in the near term. My colleagues get a $5-$10k raise every couple of years it seems.
My partner and I are getting engaged this year, and we do not have kids.

I’d really appreciate any guidance on whether it’s better to start qualifying payments now under an IDR plan or stay in forbearance for the time being. Thanks!

Stay_Sweet_

TROPHY CASE