On Oct. 6, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced a temporary change to Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program rules.

For a limited time, borrowers may receive credit for past periods of repayment that would otherwise not qualify for PSLF.

New Rules for Qualifying Payments

Under the new temporary rules, any prior period of repayment will count as a qualifying payment, regardless of loan program, repayment plan, or whether the payment was made in full or on time. But you do continue to need qualifying employment.

This change will apply to borrowers with Direct Loans, those who have already consolidated into the Direct Loan Program, and those who consolidate into the Direct Loan Program by Oct. 31, 2022.

Full-time Employment

Borrowers must have worked full time for a qualifying employer during the calendar month they were also in repayment on their loan. Borrowers can receive credit only for periods of repayment after Oct. 1, 2007, when the PSLF Program began.

To take advantage of this exception, borrowers must file a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) & Temporary Expanded PSLF (TEPSLF) Certification & Application (PSLF form) for any period where they are seeking additional credit toward PSLF.

More information can be obtained from FedLoan Servicing, 855-265-4038 or the FedLoan website.