PSLF Calculator: Estimate Your Forgiveness Date
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) forgives your remaining Direct Loan balance after 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full time for a qualifying employer. Estimate when you could reach 120.
What counts as a qualifying payment
- Full, on-time payments on Direct Loans (FFEL loans must be consolidated into a Direct Consolidation Loan).
- Under a qualifying repayment plan, including income-driven plans such as RAP and IBR.
- While working full time for a U.S. federal, state, local or tribal government, or a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Certify your employment regularly with the PSLF Help Tool on studentaid.gov so your count stays accurate. PSLF forgiveness is not taxable as federal income. See our forgiveness tax guide.
Source: Federal Student Aid, PSLF ↗. Last checked Oct 21, 2026.
How many payments do I need for PSLF?
120 qualifying monthly payments, which don't have to be consecutive.
Is PSLF forgiveness taxable?
No. PSLF forgiveness is not treated as taxable income for federal tax purposes.