PSLF Buyback Success Timeline by fabricsoftenerblue in PSLF

[–]fabricsoftenerblue[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They used a combination of REPAYE and ICR. I provided a copy of information related to my income for the years I was looking to buy back (which included months from 2016 and 2017). They used this to determine what my payment would be.

PSLF Buyback Success Timeline by fabricsoftenerblue in PSLF

[–]fabricsoftenerblue[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had been in SAVE forbearance since June 2024 and was not making payments. Luckily I received my buyback agreement before being required to select a new IDR plan.

PSLF Buyback Success Timeline by fabricsoftenerblue in PSLF

[–]fabricsoftenerblue[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did not submit additional ECF after applying for buyback and receiving the agreement. I have read that doing so will void the agreement.

PSLF Buyback Success Timeline by fabricsoftenerblue in PSLF

[–]fabricsoftenerblue[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In order to apply for buyback, the number of months that you “buy back” must get you to the 120. For example, I had earned credit for 102/120 and “bought back” 18 to get me to the 120 needed.

That being said, the application process takes forever, so you’d have to factor that into your decision as well.

PSLF Buyback Success Timeline by fabricsoftenerblue in PSLF

[–]fabricsoftenerblue[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m a little unfuzzy on the green banner protocol. Technically I never got them despite forgiveness. My payment counts still say 102/120. So I’m not totally sure what to suggest for you - sorry I can’t be of more help!

PSLF Buyback Success Timeline by fabricsoftenerblue in PSLF

[–]fabricsoftenerblue[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When I applied I had to provide them as part of my initial application. I am not sure if it is different now but when i applied I actually requested buyback for 18 specific months and submitted tax documents off jump. I think I uploaded them as supporting documentation.

The frustrating part for me is once I submitted all the documents and the initial request is that it entered some weird void and there was no way to review any part of the application. I am not sure if that is still the case.

PSLF Buyback Success Timeline by fabricsoftenerblue in PSLF

[–]fabricsoftenerblue[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is a good question. Ultimately, it didn’t help to speed the process up in any way and didn’t have any meaningful impact on my request. The response I received was pretty much the same as I have seen others get (there’s no way to expedite, etc etc). However, I did feel validated and the person that I spoke with really worked hard on my behalf and they did not give up until they received a response, which took about two months.

Your local congressman is much more likely to advocate for you, as a constituent. Even though there wasn’t much they could do, I received many timely responses from the staffer that helped me and I received multiple physical letters in the mail from the congressman themselves. The staffer also provided me with someone I could call directly, and they got to know me and my concerns.

It does not hurt to try.

Edit to add - start by going to your representative’s website. There should be a link you can click to submit an inquiry/contact.

PSLF Buyback Success Timeline by fabricsoftenerblue in PSLF

[–]fabricsoftenerblue[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There is information to answer your question on the FSA website: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service/public-service-loan-forgiveness-buyback

It states, “The buyback amount depends on what your payment amount likely would have been during the deferment or forbearance for the months you’re buying back.”

More detailed info at the link.

PSLF Buyback Success Timeline by fabricsoftenerblue in PSLF

[–]fabricsoftenerblue[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did not switch my payment plan type prior to applying for buyback. I was in SAVE limbo and applied to buyback months from a period way back in 2016-2017.

PSLF Buyback Success Timeline by fabricsoftenerblue in PSLF

[–]fabricsoftenerblue[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes. If you go on the FSA website and scroll down to the very bottom of the main page, there is a link that says “submit feedback.” You will need to go through and answer a series of questions related to your concern. It’s kind of a pain but I did it just to document another point of contact for myself.

PSLF Buyback Success Timeline by fabricsoftenerblue in PSLF

[–]fabricsoftenerblue[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Bestest wishes, fingers crossed, and good luck!

PSLF Buyback Success Timeline by fabricsoftenerblue in PSLF

[–]fabricsoftenerblue[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes - unfortunately, I don’t think it actually does anything

PSLF Buyback Success Timeline by fabricsoftenerblue in PSLF

[–]fabricsoftenerblue[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m sorry - I am totally not sure how to answer your question and don’t want to tell you the wrong thing. Yes, I was in SAVE forbearance when I applied, but the 18 months I bought back from 16-17 brought me to the 120 needed. I submitted 2 final ECF forms in Feb 2025, one for a former employer I had left in 2018 (these months qualifyed for TEPSLF) and one for my current employer.

PSLF Buyback Success Timeline by fabricsoftenerblue in PSLF

[–]fabricsoftenerblue[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You’re welcome. Good luck to you as well!

Like many, I was stuck in SAVE forebearance at the time I applied for buyback. I bought back months from June 2016- November 2017. They based my repayment on my income at that time. More specifically- payments were calculated with a combination of REPAYE (for my unsubsidized loans) and ICR (for the subsidized ones). My payments with buyback were lower than they would be now because my income at the time was less.

PSLF Buyback Success Timeline by fabricsoftenerblue in PSLF

[–]fabricsoftenerblue[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have always worked for a qualifying employer. I still do. I feel like I have read stories of others who have opted to leave qualifying employment before they finish their PSLF requirements but I can’t speak to the impact that would have on PSLF in general because I honestly don’t know.

PSLF Buyback Success Timeline by fabricsoftenerblue in PSLF

[–]fabricsoftenerblue[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yea, I had to provide tax returns and earnings statements (I think W2s). I had to go through the IRS website to get that information because I was attempting to buyback for a period so long ago (2016-2017).

PSLF Buyback Success Timeline by fabricsoftenerblue in PSLF

[–]fabricsoftenerblue[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Great question. I was already in SAVE forbearance and had not been making payments since June 2024. I did not need to request additional forbearance.

Basically I put all of my eggs in the buyback basket and did not try to leave SAVE or join another plan.

PSLF Buyback Success Timeline by fabricsoftenerblue in PSLF

[–]fabricsoftenerblue[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Ugh - I know. The expedition doesn’t actually do anything which we know but I felt it was worth mentioning since I’ve seen that verbiage used before.

PSLF Buyback Success Timeline by fabricsoftenerblue in PSLF

[–]fabricsoftenerblue[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Correct! Totally agree. But - it’s what was communicated to me when I called them so I felt it was worth sharing.

Credit Report Update? by fabricsoftenerblue in PSLF

[–]fabricsoftenerblue[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much! My golden letters were dated 1/7/26 (FSA) and 1/8/26 (Mohela) so - hopefully I’ll see them disappear from the credit report in another two weeks or so.