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.

You are not alone. I'm here to help. There is no need to suffer in silence. We can get through this. Tomorrow can be better than today. Don't give up.
Do you have a question you'd like to ask me for free? Go ahead and click here.
- Plastic Pandemic: US Credit Card Debt Surges Nearly 20% in Q1 2021! - May 12, 2023
- The IRS Resumes Collections Notices: What You Need to Know Before It’s Too Late - May 12, 2023
- How Can I Deal With Payday Loan Debt? - May 12, 2023