How to Apply for RAP: Step by Step
The Repayment Assistance Plan opened July 1, 2026. Here is exactly how to apply for the new student loan payment plan, what you need, and what to expect.
Before you apply: know your number
RAP calculates your monthly payment based on your adjusted gross income, which is your total income minus certain deductions from your most recent tax return. If you do not know your AGI, look at line 11 of your most recent Form 1040. Your payment is a percentage of that number, from 1% to 10% depending on your income bracket. Each dependent cuts $50 off your monthly payment. Use the free RAP calculator to see your estimated payment before you start the application.
What is AGI?
AGI stands for adjusted gross income. It is your total income from all sources, including wages, tips, overtime, investment income, and side hustle earnings, minus specific adjustments like student loan interest and IRA contributions. It is not your take home pay and it is not your gross salary. It is the number on line 11 of your tax return. RAP uses this single number to determine your payment bracket. If you earned $48,000 in AGI, your RAP payment is 4% of that, which is $160 a month before the dependent credit.
Step 1: Go to studentaid.gov
Visit studentaid.gov/idr and log in with your FSA ID. If you do not have an FSA ID, you can create one on the same site. You need your Social Security number, date of birth, and an email address. Creating the account takes about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Select the Repayment Assistance Plan
The IDR application page will show you all available income driven plans. Select RAP, which is listed as the Repayment Assistance Plan. The page will show an estimated payment based on the income information you provide. If you are unsure whether RAP or IBR is better for your situation, read the RAP vs IBR comparison before choosing.
Step 3: Provide your income
You have two options. You can allow the system to pull your income directly from the IRS using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, which is the fastest way. Or you can manually enter your income and upload documentation like pay stubs or a tax return. The IRS data retrieval is easier and less likely to cause processing delays.
Step 4: Enter your family size
Your family size determines your dependent credit. Count yourself, your spouse if filing jointly, and any dependents you claim on your tax return. Each dependent beyond yourself and your spouse reduces your RAP payment by $50 per month. If you are single with no kids, your family size is 1.
Step 5: Submit and wait
After you submit the application, your servicer processes it. Processing times vary but most applications are completed within 10 to 30 days. During this time your loans may be placed in forbearance, meaning no payment is required but interest may still accrue. Once approved, your new RAP payment starts with your next billing cycle.
What you need to have ready
| Item | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| FSA ID (username and password) | studentaid.gov, create one if you do not have it |
| Social Security number | Your SSN card or tax return |
| Most recent tax return or AGI | Form 1040 line 11, or use IRS Data Retrieval |
| Family size and number of dependents | Your most recent tax return |
| Loan servicer name | studentaid.gov under My Aid |
Who can apply for RAP
Any borrower with eligible federal Direct Loans. This includes Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, and Graduate PLUS loans. Parent PLUS loans do not qualify for RAP, even after consolidation. Read more about Parent PLUS loans and RAP.
Borrowers currently on SAVE, PAYE, or ICR can switch to RAP. Borrowers on IBR can also switch. Existing borrowers on old plans have until 2028 to move. If you were on SAVE and received a 90 day notice, you need to apply for a new plan before your deadline or you will be placed on the Standard Plan automatically. Read what to do now that SAVE is gone.
How long does it take to get approved?
Most applications are processed in 10 to 30 days. If you use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool it tends to go faster. If you upload documents manually, expect the longer end. Your servicer will notify you by email or mail when your application is approved and your new payment amount is set.
What happens while you wait
Your servicer may place your loans in administrative forbearance while your application is processed. You do not need to make payments during this time, but the forbearance months typically do not count toward forgiveness under PSLF or income driven plan forgiveness. Once approved, your first RAP payment is due on your next billing date.
Annual recertification
RAP is not set and forget. You must recertify your income and family size every year. Your servicer will notify you when it is time. If you miss the deadline, your payment may temporarily increase to the standard plan amount until you recertify. Set a calendar reminder so you do not forget.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for the RAP student loan plan?
Go to studentaid.gov/idr, log in with your FSA ID, select the Repayment Assistance Plan, provide your income and family size, and submit. Processing takes 10 to 30 days.
What is AGI and where do I find it?
AGI stands for adjusted gross income. It is on line 11 of your Form 1040 tax return. RAP uses this number to calculate your monthly payment.
Can I apply for RAP if I was on the SAVE plan?
Yes. Borrowers on SAVE can switch to RAP. If you received a 90 day notice, apply before your deadline to avoid being placed on the Standard Plan.
How long does RAP approval take?
Most applications are processed in 10 to 30 days. Using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool speeds up the process.
Do Parent PLUS loans qualify for RAP?
No. Parent PLUS loans are excluded from RAP even after consolidation. Read more about Parent PLUS loan options.