Can I Switch Out of REPAYE to IBR? – Peggy Sue

Question:

Dear Steve,

I recently consolidated $78,000 of Federal Student Loans and entered into the RePAYE Plan. In the past year I got married, and understand that in RePAYE my spouse’s income must be included in the repayment calculations when I re-certify. FedLoan is currently serving my loans.

When I re-certify can I switch to a different income-driven plan, for instance, IBR Plan, that does not require my husbands income if we file our taxes separately?

Peggy Sue

Answer:

Dear Peggy Sue,

Good news. I think you can go ahead and switch now and not wait a whole year. And I think that’s a smart move to get out of a plan that requires both. There is not requirement I’m aware of that would stop you from switching into a qualifying repayment plan at any time.

Steve Rhode Debt Coach and Author

Steve Rhode is the Get Out of Debt Guy and has been helping good people with bad debt problems since 1994. You can learn more about Steve, here.

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