Quick answer

Yes. On Income-Based Repayment (IBR), your federal student loan payment is $0 if your adjusted gross income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty guideline. In 2026 that's $23,940 for a single borrower, $32,460 for a household of two, $40,980 for three and $49,500 for four (48 contiguous states). The new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) can't go to $0: its minimum payment is $10 a month.

Who can get a $0 student loan payment?

Federal borrowers on IBR whose income is low compared with their family size. IBR only charges a percentage of your discretionary income, which is your AGI minus 150% of the poverty guideline. If your income is at or below that line, your discretionary income is zero, and so is your payment.

IBR is available if your loans were taken out before July 1, 2026 (and you haven't taken out a new federal loan since). Borrowers whose first loans are from July 1, 2026 or later use RAP or the Tiered Standard Plan instead.

What are the 2026 income limits for a $0 IBR payment?

Household size2026 poverty guideline$0 payment if AGI is at or below
1$15,960$23,940
2$21,640$32,460
3$27,320$40,980
4$33,000$49,500
5$38,680$58,020
6$44,360$66,540

Figures are for the 48 contiguous states and D.C. Limits are higher in Alaska ($29,925 for one person) and Hawaii ($27,540 for one person). If you're married and file taxes jointly, your combined income counts.

Can my payment be $0 on RAP?

No. RAP's minimum payment is $10 a month, even with an AGI of $10,000 or less or several dependents. The upside: as long as you pay on time and in full, any interest your payment doesn't cover is waived, so your balance doesn't grow. See your exact RAP number in our RAP calculator.

Do $0 payments count toward forgiveness and PSLF?

Yes. A $0 scheduled payment on IBR counts as a qualifying month toward IBR forgiveness, and toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness if you work full-time for a qualifying government or nonprofit employer. That's why a $0 IBR payment can be extremely valuable for public service workers.

How do I get a $0 payment?

  1. Apply for IBR on StudentAid.govUse the income-driven repayment application (studentaid.gov/idr) and choose IBR, or the option for the lowest payment.
  2. Report your current incomeIf you earn less now than on your last tax return, submit recent pay stubs or state that you have no income.
  3. Enter your full family sizeEvery person in your household raises the income limit.
  4. Recertify every yearYour payment is recalculated annually. Consenting to the IRS data pull makes this automatic.

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Frequently asked questions

Can my student loan payment be $0?

Yes, on IBR, if your adjusted gross income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty guideline for your family size. In 2026 that's $23,940 for a single borrower in the 48 contiguous states.

What income do I need for a $0 IBR payment in 2026?

At or below $23,940 for one person, $32,460 for two, $40,980 for three, $49,500 for four, $58,020 for five and $66,540 for six (48 contiguous states and D.C.).

Can RAP payments be $0?

No. The Repayment Assistance Plan has a $10 monthly minimum payment.

Do $0 payments count toward PSLF?

Yes. A $0 scheduled payment on an income-driven plan like IBR counts as a qualifying payment for PSLF if you work full-time for a qualifying employer.

Does my spouse's income count?

If you file taxes jointly, IBR uses your combined income. If you file separately, generally only your income counts.

Sources

Rules can change. Always confirm your details on StudentAid.gov or with your loan servicer before acting.