Leaving SAVE: Which Repayment Plan Can I Switch To? (2026)

The SAVE Plan ended in March 2026 after a court order. Answer four questions to see which plans you can switch to, what happens if you do nothing, and your deadline. Runs in your browser.

How the switch works

Servicers began sending notices on July 1, 2026 and will notify every SAVE borrower before the end of 2026. From your servicer's notice you have 90 days to pick a plan. If you don't, you get a final 30-day notice, then you're placed in the Standard Repayment Plan (no loans from July 1, 2026 on) or the Tiered Standard Plan (a newer loan in repayment). Those fixed payments may be higher than an income-driven plan.

ICR and PAYE end no later than July 1, 2028. Payments on Tiered Standard don't count toward PSLF. Months in the SAVE forbearance don't count toward PSLF or IDR forgiveness, though PSLF buyback may be possible once you have 120 months of qualifying employment.

Source: SAVE Plan Borrowers: FAQs About Choosing a Different Repayment Plan, Federal Student Aid ↗. Last checked Oct 25, 2026. Estimate payments with our RAP vs Tiered Standard calculator or the official Repayment Calculator ↗, and track PSLF with the PSLF estimator. Help from your servicer is free; you never have to pay a company to change plans.

When did the SAVE Plan end?

A court order ended the SAVE Plan in March 2026. Borrowers must choose a different repayment plan.

How long do I have to choose a new plan?

90 days from your loan servicer's notice. If you don't choose, you get a final 30-day notice and are then placed in a fixed plan.

What plan will I get if I do nothing?

The Standard Repayment Plan if you have no loans paid out on or after July 1, 2026, or the Tiered Standard Plan if you have a newer loan in repayment.

Which plan should I pick for PSLF?

An income-driven plan: IBR, ICR, PAYE or RAP. Tiered Standard payments don't count toward PSLF, and SAVE forbearance months don't count either.