Your RAP payment is your adjusted gross income (AGI) times a percentage from 1% to 10% based on your income bracket, divided by 12, minus $50 for each dependent. The minimum is $10 a month. For example, a single borrower earning $55,000 pays about $229 a month ($55,000 × 5% ÷ 12).
RAP payment calculator
5% bracket · $2,750/year before dependent deduction
Estimate only. Uses the single-filer formula. Married couples filing jointly use combined AGI, and the payment is split if both spouses have federal loans.
RAP payment table (2026)
| Your AGI | % of AGI | Monthly payment (no dependents) |
|---|---|---|
| $10,000 or less | Flat | $10 |
| $10,001–$20,000 | 1% | $10–$17 |
| $20,001–$30,000 | 2% | $33–$50 |
| $30,001–$40,000 | 3% | $75–$100 |
| $40,001–$50,000 | 4% | $133–$167 |
| $50,001–$60,000 | 5% | $208–$250 |
| $60,001–$70,000 | 6% | $300–$350 |
| $70,001–$80,000 | 7% | $408–$467 |
| $80,001–$90,000 | 8% | $533–$600 |
| $90,001–$100,000 | 9% | $675–$750 |
| Over $100,000 | 10% | $833+ |
The percentage applies to your whole income, not just the part above the line. Going from $50,000 to $50,001 moves you from 4% to 5%, which adds about $42 a month. Pre-tax retirement contributions lower your AGI and can drop you a bracket.
How the RAP formula works
Monthly payment = (AGI × your bracket %) ÷ 12 − ($50 × dependents), with a floor of $10 a month.
- AGI is the adjusted gross income on your latest tax return (line 11 on Form 1040).
- Dependents means people you claim on your return. Each one takes $50 a month off.
- Married filing jointly: combined AGI is used. If both spouses have federal loans, the payment is divided based on each spouse's balance.
- Married filing separately: only your own income counts, which can lower your payment but may cost you tax benefits. Run both scenarios.
Worked examples
| Borrower | Math | RAP payment |
|---|---|---|
| Single, $35,000, no kids | $35,000 × 3% ÷ 12 | $87.50/mo |
| Single, $55,000, no kids | $55,000 × 5% ÷ 12 | $229/mo |
| $75,000, 2 dependents | $75,000 × 7% ÷ 12 − $100 | $337.50/mo |
| $42,000, 3 dependents | $42,000 × 4% ÷ 12 − $150 | $10/mo (minimum) |
| $120,000, no kids | $120,000 × 10% ÷ 12 | $1,000/mo |
If your on-time payment doesn't cover the month's interest, the rest is waived. And if your payment knocks less than $50 off your principal, the government matches the difference, up to $50. Low payments still shrink your balance.
Is RAP cheaper than IBR?
It depends. IBR subtracts 150% of the poverty line from your income before applying 10% or 15%, so it can drop to $0 for low earners and larger families. RAP never goes below $10 but waives unpaid interest. Many single, middle-income borrowers pay less on RAP, while many low-income or larger-family borrowers pay less on IBR. If your loans are all from before July 1, 2026, you can choose either until July 1, 2028. Read the full IBR vs RAP comparison.
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Get my personalized report →Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum RAP payment?
$10 a month. Even if the formula comes out lower, you pay at least $10.
Does RAP use gross income or discretionary income?
RAP uses your full adjusted gross income (AGI), not discretionary income. IBR uses discretionary income, which is AGI minus 150% of the federal poverty guideline.
How much does each dependent lower my RAP payment?
$50 a month per dependent claimed on your tax return.
Is RAP based on my spouse's income?
If you file taxes jointly, RAP uses your combined AGI. If you file separately, only your income counts.
What happens if my RAP payment doesn't cover interest?
As long as you pay on time and in full, the unpaid interest for that month is waived, so your balance doesn't grow.
Can I lower my RAP payment?
Lowering your AGI (for example with pre-tax 401(k) or HSA contributions) can lower your payment, and can drop you into a lower bracket.
Sources
- StudentAid.gov: Income-driven repayment
- The College Investor: How RAP works
- Saving for College: What is RAP?
- Fidelity: What is the Repayment Assistance Plan?
Rules can change. Always confirm your details on StudentAid.gov or with your loan servicer before acting.