The SAVE Plan Has Ended: Your Guide to Choosing a New Repayment Path. Meta Description: The SAVE plan is officially closed. Learn your next steps for student loan repayment, including the new U.S. Repayment Assistance Plan, to avoid higher bills. ## Quick Summary: What You Must Do Now. 1. Watch your mail and email for a 90-day notice from your loan servicer. 2. Log in to StudentAid.gov to compare new plans. 3. Select your new plan before the deadline to avoid being placed on a default Standard Repayment Plan that could significantly increase your monthly costs. ## Immediate Action Checklist. ] Await your 90-day transition window notification. [ ] Compare new plan options using the official Loan Simulator at StudentAid.gov. [ ] Submit your selection before your 90-day window expires to maintain income-driven payments. ## Understanding the Transition. Following federal court injunctions, the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan is no longer available. As of July 1, 2026, the Department of Education is moving all affected borrowers into alternative repayment structures. If you miss your 90-day window to choose a plan, your servicer will place you into the Standard Repayment Plan. This default option often ignores your income, which could lead to a sharp, unexpected rise in your monthly loan bill. ## Exploring Your New Repayment Options. You can evaluate your choices using official tools at [StudentAid.gov. ### New U.S. Repayment Plans. Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP): Note: This is a U.S. federal program, distinct from the Canadian government’s similarly named program. According to U.S. Department of Education policy, this plan calculates your monthly payment based on a specific percentage of your adjusted gross income over a 30-year term. It provides a $50 monthly deduction for each dependent to help lower your obligation. Tiered Standard Plan: A structured repayment approach launched in July 2026 for borrowers seeking predictable payments. ### Legacy IDR Options. For loans disbursed before July 1, 2026, certain older plans remain an option, though they are subject to future changes: Income-Based Repayment (IBR): Payments range from 10% to 15% of your discretionary income. * PAYE and ICR: These plans are available but currently scheduled to sunset by July 2028. If you select these, you should prepare to transition again in the coming years. ## How to Manage Your Transition. 1. Stay Alert: Check all correspondence from your loan servicer. They will notify you when your specific forbearance period ends. 2. Use Official Tools: Access the Loan Simulator at StudentAid.gov to model how different plans affect your budget. 3. Define Your Goals: Decide whether your priority is minimizing your monthly bill or paying off your debt as quickly as possible. 4. Verify Your Data: Update your income and contact information on your student aid account to avoid processing delays.