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How Do You Apply for Income-Driven Repayment?

Learn how to apply for income-driven repayment on StudentAid.gov, what information you need, and how IDR can change your federal student loan payment.

Direct answer

To apply for income-driven repayment, sign in to StudentAid.gov and submit the IDR request for eligible federal student loans. The application uses income and family-size information to calculate or recalculate payment options. Plan availability, eligibility, and federal policy details can change, so review current StudentAid.gov instructions before submitting.

eligible federal loan + income and family-size information + IDR request = repayment-plan review

IDR application checks

Are the loans federal?

IDR is for eligible federal loans

Private loans do not use StudentAid.gov IDR

Which loan type?

Some loans need consolidation first

Parent PLUS has special limits

Income changed?

Payment can be recalculated

Use current official instructions

Already on IDR?

May need update or recertification

Deadlines can affect payment

Policy changed?

Plan availability can shift

Check StudentAid.gov before acting

Applying is not the same as guaranteed eligibility

Submitting an IDR request starts the review. The final result depends on loan type, income information, family size, current federal rules, and servicer processing.

Apply for IDR

  1. 1Sign in to StudentAid.gov.
  2. 2Open the income-driven repayment request.
  3. 3Review eligible loans and choose the request reason.
  4. 4Provide income and family-size information as instructed.
  5. 5Submit the request and watch for servicer follow-up or updated payment details.

FAQ

Is applying for income-driven repayment free?

Yes. Federal Student Aid provides the online IDR request without an application fee. Avoid paying third parties to submit a free federal form for you.

Do I need to update my income every year?

Many IDR borrowers must periodically update income and family-size information. Check current StudentAid.gov and servicer instructions because plan rules and timing can change.

Can Parent PLUS borrowers use IDR?

Parent PLUS borrowers do not get every IDR option directly. Some may need Direct Consolidation first and still have limited plan choices.

Sources & method

We reviewed these references while writing this answer. Figures are estimates — confirm safety-critical work with a professional. Last updated June 7, 2026.