Student Loan Repayment Plans Hit a Snag

The U. S. Department of Education has pulled the plug on online applications for income-driven repayment (IDR) plans. This means borrowers can't sign up, renew, or tweak their repayment terms through the federal website. This change comes after a federal court order that stopped key parts of the IDR program, including the SAVE plan. This situation is a big deal for the millions of people who count on IDR plans to handle their student loans. These plans, like SAVE, IBR, PAYE, and ICR, offer lower monthly payments based on income and family size. Many borrowers also need these plans to qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). With the online application gone, there could be delays, missed deadlines, and financial stress for those looking for lower payments or loan forgiveness. The Federal Student Aid website now has a banner explaining the situation. It says a federal court order is behind the removal of the IDR and loan consolidation applications. The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals expanded a previous order, blocking the SAVE plan and other IDR-related relief measures.The Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS) reports that 13 million borrowers were enrolled in an IDR plan as of early 2025. Despite the online application being down, borrowers can still apply for IDR or consolidate their loans using paper applications. These can be found in the Department of Education's forms library. However, expect some delays in processing. Advocates warn that another backlog could form, similar to past pauses in IDR application processing. This could mean more waiting and uncertainty for borrowers. The first income-driven repayment plans date back 30 years. They were created to help lower-income households manage the cost of higher education. These plans have been popular because they ease the financial burden of student loans, especially early in a person's career when they might be underemployed. The Department of Education is working to ensure borrowers understand their repayment options under the law. Given the potential for more legal developments, advocacy groups are pushing the department to clarify borrower options and provide updates on processing times. For now, borrowers seeking lower payments or loan forgiveness must rely on manual submissions and should be ready for potential delays.