As the resumption of student loan payments in October looms, the Biden administration has introduced a potentially game-changing solution for millions of borrowers.
The plan, aptly named SAVE (Saving on a Valuable Education), offers a fresh approach to federal student loan repayment, which could significantly reduce monthly payments for eligible individuals.
Unlike traditional repayment plans, SAVE calculates monthly payments based on a borrower’s income and family size without factoring in the total student loan debt.
This approach prioritizes affordability, particularly for low-income borrowers who may have been struggling with their previous repayment schedules.
One standout feature of the SAVE plan is its treatment of unpaid interest. Under this program, if a borrower makes a total monthly payment, accrued interest doesn’t continue to pile up.
This means your loan balance will stay the same over time, even if your monthly payment doesn’t fully cover the month’s interest.
Additionally, there’s a potential forgiveness component in the SAVE plan.
Once the plan is fully implemented in July 2024, borrowers who have made at least ten years of payments may see a portion of their remaining balance forgiven.
This could provide significant relief to those who have incurred student loan debt for an extended period.
Read Also: Student Loan Strategy: Plan Ahead to Avoid Financial Stress, Advises Expert
Navigating the SAVE Student Loan Repayment Plan: Considerations and Calculations
While the new repayment plan is expected to be accessible to most federal student loan borrowers, it’s essential to consider its implications.
Lower monthly payments can provide immediate financial relief, but they may also extend the time required to repay the loan, potentially resulting in higher overall prices due to interest.
To enroll in the SAVE plan, borrowers can apply to income-driven repayment plans on the Federal Student Aid website.
Starting this year, payments will equal 10% of discretionary income, and next year, borrowers with loans for undergraduate studies will see further reductions to 5% of discretionary income.
Those with loans from both undergraduate and graduate programs will pay a weighted average between 5% and 10% of their income based on the original principal balances of their loans.
It’s essential to note that payments under SAVE and other income-driven repayment plans are recalculated annually, accounting for income and family size changes.
An increase in income or marriage will typically lead to higher monthly payments.
However, married borrowers can lower their costs by filing taxes separately, excluding their spouse’s income from the calculation.
As the SAVE plan aims to provide financial relief for federal student loan borrowers, its introduction marks a significant step in addressing the student debt crisis.
However, borrowers should carefully assess their unique financial circumstances and consider their long-term goals when deciding on the most suitable repayment plan.
Read Also: Navigating the Impact of Resuming Student Loan Payments on Your Financial Goals
Source: CNN via MSN
