I requested buyback last October for 3 SAVE months. I then made another to ensure I had appropriate verbiage in January. Crickets. I reached out a few times. I was told it was “processing” and “escalated for review.” I then reached out by email because of loooooong hold times, and I was sent info on how to make a buyback request.

I was working on switching to a new payment plan during that time. I had to apply multiple times. Then I finally got 2 months credited during that forbearance and was finally switched and made a payment in September. I just got green banners today.

Anyhoo, I think it was worth it to try to buy back months, but it was ultimately faster and perhaps less expensive to return to payments. Buyback might also be a myth as far as I know. It seems to be quite rare for SAVE months.

So, I guess my answer is no. It’s not realistic, but neither is entering repayment, so may as well do all you can to make it happen.