RAP Strategy Tool
Professional-grade calculator for Repayment Assistance Plan.
Loan Strategy Report
Regulatory Standard: OBBBA 2026
| PLAN COMPONENT | CALCULATED VALUE |
|---|---|
| Discretionary Income (225% FPL Protection) | $0.00 |
| Monthly Installment (Weighted 5-10%) | $0.00 |
| Monthly Interest Accrued | $0.00 |
| Interest Subsidy (Govt. Paid) | $0.00 |
Next Steps: Based on your AGI, your monthly payment is capped at 0% of your discretionary income. Any interest not covered by your payment is waived monthly by the Department of Education.
Manage your student loans with ease. The Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) helps you reduce or pause your monthly payments based on your income and family size. See if you qualify for a $0 payment today.
Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP)?
The Repayment Assistance Plan is an income-driven program designed to help borrowers manage student loan debt. It adjusts your monthly payments based on your gross income and family size, ensuring that your student loan obligations remain affordable. In many cases, payments can be reduced to as low as $10 or even $0 depending on your financial situation.
How is the RAP monthly payment calculated?
Payments are calculated as a percentage of your total Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). Unlike older plans that shielded a portion of income, the new RAP uses a sliding scale (e.g., 1% for lower brackets, increasing up to 10% for higher earners). Most plans also allow for a deduction (such as $50) for each eligible dependent to lower the required payment.
Will my loan balance increase if my payment is very low?
No. One of the primary benefits of the Repayment Assistance Plan is the interest subsidy. If your calculated monthly payment is not enough to cover the interest that accrues, the government waives the remaining interest. This prevents "negative amortization," meaning your balance will not grow while you are enrolled in the plan.
How long does it take for loans to be forgiven under RAP?
Under the 2026 RAP guidelines, any remaining balance on your loans is typically forgiven after 30 years (360 qualifying payments). However, for borrowers with disabilities or those in specific public service roles (PSLF), the timeline for forgiveness may be significantly shorter, often 10 years.
Do I have to re-apply for RAP every year?
Yes. Eligibility for the Repayment Assistance Plan is not permanent. You must recertify your income and family size every 6 to 12 months (depending on your region/program). If you miss the recertification deadline, your payments will automatically revert to the Standard Repayment Plan amount.
Can I use RAP for Parent PLUS loans?
Generally, Parent PLUS loans are not directly eligible for the Repayment Assistance Plan. Borrowers with Parent PLUS debt may need to explore consolidation options or stick to the Standard Repayment Plan, as RAP is primarily intended for Direct Student Loans issued to students.