With all the changes to federal student loan programs over the last few years, I thought it would be useful to have a thread where people share their actual PSLF and IDR experiences rather than just discussing what the rules say on paper.
My own situation: I'm a public defender, so PSLF eligible. I've been enrolled in SAVE — or was, before the program got tied up in litigation. The back-and-forth has been frustrating in terms of planning. My servicer has been inconsistent about whether months in forbearance count toward PSLF.
I know several colleagues who have successfully received forgiveness under PSLF in the last two years, and a few who had applications denied for technical reasons (wrong repayment plan in prior years, employer certification gaps).
Questions I'd love to hear from the community: (1) Has anyone successfully navigated a PSLF waiver or reconsideration? (2) For those in private practice — are you taking the position that IDR is worth it even without PSLF? The math seems tight given the tax liability on forgiveness. (3) Has anyone restructured their practice arrangement specifically to qualify for PSLF?