How to Apply for RAP: The Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Who can apply for RAP?

RAP is the new income-driven repayment plan created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. It opened on July 1, 2026. You can use it if your loans are:

• Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
• Grad PLUS Loans
• Direct Consolidation Loans that do not include a Parent PLUS loan

Not eligible: Parent PLUS loans (and any consolidation containing one), plus older FFEL, Perkins and HEAL loans unless they're consolidated into a Direct Consolidation Loan first.

What to have ready before you apply

• Your FSA ID (the StudentAid.gov username and password). Reset it first if you've forgotten it.
• Your most recent tax return, or recent pay stubs if your income has dropped since you filed.
• Your family size: RAP takes $50 a month off your payment for each dependent claimed on your tax return.
• Your spouse's info if you're married and file jointly, because RAP uses your combined income.

How to apply for RAP: 6 steps

1. Log in to StudentAid.govGo to studentaid.gov and sign in with your FSA ID. Check "My Aid" to confirm your loan types and who your servicer is.
2. Open the income-driven repayment applicationFind the IDR application (studentaid.gov/idr). It's the same form used for IBR. You choose the plan inside it.
3. Choose the Repayment Assistance PlanSelect RAP. If you're not sure which plan is cheaper, you can choose the option to be placed on the plan with the lowest payment.
4. Give consent for the IRS data pullThis automatically pulls your adjusted gross income (AGI) and lets your plan recertify automatically each year. If your income has dropped, upload pay stubs instead.
5. Enter family size and marital statusCount only dependents you claim on your tax return. Married borrowers filing jointly will need spouse consent.
6. Submit and save your confirmationScreenshot or download the confirmation page with the date. You'll need it if your application gets lost or delayed.

What happens after you apply

Your servicer (MOHELA, Nelnet, Aidvantage, Edfinancial, etc.) processes the change and sends you a new monthly amount. Processing times are long right now. If you don't see an update within about 30 days, call your servicer with your confirmation date.

Once you're on RAP, three things work in your favor every month you pay on time and in full:

• Unpaid interest is waived. If your payment doesn't cover the month's interest, the government cancels the rest, so your balance doesn't grow.
• Principal match. If your payment reduces your principal by less than $50, the government adds a matching amount to bring the reduction up to $50 (or up to the amount you paid, if less).
• Forgiveness clock. Each qualifying payment counts toward forgiveness after 360 payments (30 years), and toward PSLF if you work in public service.

Mistakes that cost RAP borrowers money

• Paying late or partially. A late, partial or missed payment loses that month's interest waiver and principal match, and the month doesn't count toward forgiveness or PSLF.
• Paying extra without a plan. Extra money goes to interest first. Overpaying can wipe out that month's waiver and match.
• Sitting in forbearance. Interest isn't subsidized during forbearance or deferment, and those months don't count toward forgiveness.
• Skipping autopay. Autopay keeps every payment on time, and if you enroll by December 31, 2026 you also get a temporary 1% interest rate cut through June 30, 2028. See our autopay guide.
• Assuming RAP is always cheapest. Borrowers with big families or low incomes can sometimes pay less on IBR. Compare before you lock in. IBR vs RAP explained.

Frequently asked questions