PSLF Progress Calculator

Public Service Loan Forgiveness requires 120 qualifying payments. Enter your progress to see how far you have come, when you could reach forgiveness, and how much would be forgiven.

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Your PSLF Progress

How PSLF Works

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) forgives the remaining balance on your federal Direct Loans after you make 120 qualifying payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer. That is the equivalent of 10 years of payments.

Three conditions must all be true at the same time:

  1. A qualifying employer — government at any level, or a 501(c)(3) non-profit (some other non-profits qualify too), working an average of at least 30 hours per week.
  2. A qualifying repayment plan — generally the standard 10-year plan or an income-driven plan.
  3. A qualifying loan — Direct Loans. Loans under the older FFEL program must be consolidated into a Direct Consolidation Loan first.

What Makes a Payment "Qualifying"?

  • Made after October 1, 2007
  • Made for the full amount due
  • Paid no later than 15 days after the due date
  • Made while employed full-time by a qualifying employer
  • Made under a qualifying repayment plan

Payments do not need to be consecutive — if you leave public service and return later, your count generally picks up where it left off.

Why You Usually Should NOT Pay Extra

This is the counter-intuitive part of PSLF. Because the remaining balance is forgiven at 120 payments, every extra dollar you pay reduces the amount you receive as forgiveness. Extra payments also do not speed up your count — you still need 120 separate qualifying monthly payments.

For most borrowers pursuing PSLF, the optimal strategy is to pay only the required minimum, keep meticulous records, and recertify your employment every year. (If you are not confident you will complete 120 payments, the calculus changes — see our payoff vs. invest guide.)

Changes to Repayment Plans in 2026

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) took effect on July 1, 2026 and reshaped federal repayment options. Borrowers whose loans were disbursed on or after that date have a different — and narrower — set of income-driven plans, with the new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) as the main income-based option. Borrowers with older loans generally keep access to existing plans.

Because plan eligibility affects whether your payments qualify, always confirm your specific situation with the official PSLF Help Tool at StudentAid.gov rather than relying on a general rule.

Steps to Stay on Track

  1. Certify your employment every year using the PSLF Help Tool — do not wait until you reach 120.
  2. Track your qualifying payment count on StudentAid.gov and review it for errors.
  3. Stay on a qualifying plan and make every payment in full and on time.
  4. Keep copies of everything — employment certifications, payment records, and servicer correspondence.
  5. Re-check your count if you change jobs or servicers.

The Bottom Line

PSLF is a 120-payment marathon, not a sprint. Use this calculator to see where you stand, then focus on the things that actually move the needle: a qualifying employer, a qualifying plan, full and on-time payments, and an accurate payment count.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many payments do I need for PSLF?

Public Service Loan Forgiveness requires 120 qualifying payments — the equivalent of 10 years of monthly payments — while working full-time for a qualifying employer. The payments do not have to be consecutive, but they must be made while you are employed by a qualifying employer.

What counts as a qualifying payment for PSLF?

A qualifying payment must be made after October 1, 2007, for the full amount due, no later than 15 days after the due date, while you are employed full-time by a qualifying employer, under a qualifying repayment plan, on a Direct Loan. Payments made under a standard plan or an income-driven plan generally qualify.

What counts as a qualifying employer for PSLF?

Government organizations at any level (federal, state, local, tribal), and not-for-profit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3). Other not-for-profit organizations may qualify if they provide certain public services. You must work full-time (an average of at least 30 hours per week).

Does PSLF forgive my whole balance?

PSLF forgives the remaining balance on your qualifying Direct Loans after you make 120 qualifying payments. The forgiven amount is not taxed as income for federal purposes. The amount forgiven depends on your balance at the time you reach 120 payments.

What happens if I pay extra while pursuing PSLF?

Extra payments reduce your balance but do not count as additional qualifying payments — you still need 120 separate qualifying monthly payments. Because the remaining balance is forgiven, paying extra generally reduces the benefit you receive. Most borrowers pursuing PSLF make only the required minimum payment.

Which repayment plans qualify for PSLF?

Qualifying plans include the standard 10-year repayment plan and most income-driven repayment plans. Note that repayment plan rules changed on July 1, 2026 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — new borrowers have different options. Always confirm your plan qualifies using the official PSLF Help Tool at StudentAid.gov.

Last updated: September 2026 · Reviewed by ScholarPay editorial team · General information only — not tax or financial advice.