Navigating the End of SAVE in 2026

If you’re a SAVE Plan borrower, you’ve been through a lot. You likely enrolled in the plan because of its low monthly payments and early loan forgiveness. Then, you watched it slowly die due to legal challenges. After that, Congress reworked the entire repayment system. Now, you have to switch repayment plans.

It’s been a confusing and frustrating ordeal.

We can help. This article gives you three strategies for moving forward, outlines your options, and provides useful tips on how to choose between them.

The Timeline

Earlier this spring, the Department of Education (ED) notified all SAVE borrowers that they must choose a different repayment plan. Those who don’t will have one assigned to them.

On July 1, 2026 (or soon after), you’ll receive an email from your loan servicer. This message will be your final, 90-day warning to switch plans. That 90-day window will vary slightly for each borrower, but will close around September 30, 2026.

Three Strategies

Congress made major changes to student loan repayment in 2025. Some existing plans are being phased out. New plans have been created, but won’t be available until July 1, 2026.

This means you have three basic strategies for switching plans:

1. Switch before July 1, 2026. If you’re ready to make payments now, you can immediately enroll in another plan. That should reduce the total interest accumulating on your loans. One of the Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans should provide the lowest monthly payments available. The remaining IDR plans are Income-Based Repayment (IBR), Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR), and Pay As You Earn (PAYE). The Extended, Graduated and Standard plans are also available.
2. Switch on or after July 1, 2026. The new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) and Tiered Standard plans will be available at this point. That provides two additional options for repayment.
3. Take no action. If you fail to select a plan by the end of your 90-day window, you will be enrolled in either the Standard or new Tiered Standard plan. This will result in a higher monthly payment.

Top Repayment Options

You have several repayment plans to choose from. We’re highlighting two we think most SAVE borrowers will benefit from.

• Income Based Repayment (IBR) — Relatively low monthly payments compared to other plans, and loan forgiveness after 25 years. Available only to individuals who received their loan funds before July 1, 2026. Note that any loans consolidated on or after that date count as a new loan, and will not be eligible for IBR.
• Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) — This is a new plan that will be available on July 1, 2026. It will offer monthly payments similar to IBR, loan forgiveness after 30 years, and a mechanism that controls runaway interest.

If you’ve made payments on your loans for several years, IBR may be your best choice. You’ll be closer to loan forgiveness, and can switch plans immediately. You’ll also have the option to switch to the RAP plan in the future.

SAVE borrowers who haven’t made many monthly payments might want to take a closer look at RAP. As long as you make your monthly payment, the government will write off any unpaid interest for that month. They’ll also pay up to $50 towards your principal. This could help you avoid interest growing faster than you can pay it off.

If you’re just after the lowest monthly payment, compare IBR and RAP carefully. One might edge out the other depending on your income and living situation.

Next Steps

Take time to consider what you want from a repayment plan. Consider your short-term and future goals. Then, research your options. Identify the plan that’s best suited to your income, family size and needs. If you want a structured, step-by-step approach, follow this guide.

Once you’ve selected a plan, contact your loan servicer. They’re the only organization that can make the switch for you. If you don’t know who your loan servicer is, follow these instructions.

Remember, if you don’t choose a plan, the government will assign one to you. There’s no guarantee it will fit your needs.

How to Get Help

Your student loan servicer provides you with FREE assistance. If you don’t know who your loan servicer is, follow these instructions. If calling your servicer feels intimidating, read our tips on how to make your call less stressful.

You also can call Student Connections at (866) 311-9450. Our Borrower Advocates can help you navigate the situation and provide guidance on next steps. Our services are paid for by schools across the country and are FREE to you.