Recertifying IDR Plans

Usually, you have to recertify (update) your information each year, on time, with your loan servicer or the Department of Education to stay on your IDR plan. You can also recertify sooner if your income decreases to see if you are eligible for a lower monthly payment.

How do I recertify?

To recertify your IDR plan, you have to submit information about your income and family size each year before your annual recertification date. 

Recertifying online is often faster and easier: Most borrowers can recertify online. When you recertify online, you can choose to share information directly from the IRS to the Department of Education about income. This can save you time by eliminating the need to provide separate proof of your income. The online application form will also ask you for permission to automatically collect and recertify your income and family size information based on the income you report to the IRS on your taxes each year. 

Recertify by mail: You can also recertify by mail, by filling out a paper form, and attaching proof of your income.

When do I need to recertify?

Your loan servicer should contact you before your recertification deadline to remind you to recertify, but it’s a good idea to set reminders for yourself so you don’t miss the deadline. Even if you give the Department permission to automatically recalculate your repayment amount using the income you reported to the IRS in last year’s taxes, you should still watch your account closely to make sure your income was correctly certified each year.

You can also recertify early. Recertifying early may be helpful if your income decreased or your family size increased, as it could mean you’re eligible for lower payments.

What if I miss the deadline to recertify?

Missing the deadline to recertify your IDR plan is very common. If you miss the recertification deadline, your monthly bill may suddenly increase to an amount that isn’t affordable. In some plans, missing the deadline may also lead to being removed from the plan entirely or having unpaid interest added to your balance (called capitalization).

If you miss your recertification deadline, don’t panic, but act quickly:

• contact your servicer, 
• submit your income documentation as soon as possible so you can get your monthly payments recalculated, and 
• request a temporary forbearance if you can’t afford your current bills until your monthly payments are recalculated.

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My IDR payment seems too high. I think my loan servicer made a mistake. What can I do?

If you disagree with how your loan servicer calculated your IDR payment after you recertified your IDR plan, call your servicer. It’s possible a mistake was made. Ask to speak to a supervisor if necessary. If you still think the payment amount is wrong, you can file a complaint with the Federal Student Aid Ombudsman.

You may also be able to switch plans to get a lower monthly payment amount if there wasn’t a mistake.