Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

If you have ever worked for a government or 501c3 organization, you may be eligible for federal loan cancellation under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Depending on your profession, you may also qualify for state repayment assistance programs. Please review Important Notice for Employees with Student Loan Debt to see if you may be eligible for programs and how to apply.

PSLF Overview

The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer.

PSLF Qualifications

• be employed by a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government or not-for-profit organization (federal service includes U.S. military service);
• work full-time for that agency or organization;
• have Direct Loans (or consolidate other federal student loans into a Direct Loan)
• repay your loans under an income-driven repayment plan; and
• make 120 qualifying payments.

Applying for PSLF:

It is recommended that you certify your employment each year. To certify your employment:

1. It is recommended you use the PSLF Help Tool. The PSLF Help Tool will help prepare your PSLF form. If you choose to fill out the form manually, download and print the form at StudentAid.gov/pslf.
2. After getting your PSLF Form, you should list the address and Employer Identification Number (EIN) for your employer as found on your W2.
3. You should have the employer that you are filling out the form for sign it. Please note that your employer’s signature must be hand drawn (from a signature pad, mouse, finger, or by taking a picture of a signature drawn on a piece of paper that you then scan and embed on the signature line of the PSLF form) to be accepted.
4. Send the completed form, with your employer’s certification, either online through the PSLF Help Tool, or by mail to the U.S. Department of Education. You may fax the form to 540-212-2415 or mail the form to the address below:

U.S. Department of Education
P.O. Box 300010
Greenville, TX 75403

Free, Confidential Personalized Guidance

The City of New York offers 2 ways you can get free, confidential, personalized guidance to lower student loan payments.

1. Online. Through our partnership with Summer, an online platform, you can find free federal and state programs to reduce monthly student loan payments.
   
   Are you a resident of NYC? Learn more about free resources from Summer today!
   
   Are you a City of New York employee? Access the NYC Summer portal for City employees!


2. In Person or By Phone. Through our NYC Financial Empowerment Centers, you can work with a financial counselor to manage your student loans along with your other expenses and debts.
   
   Book an appointment with an NYC Financial Empowerment counselor.