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Save Plan Student Loans, What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of the SAVE Plan?

The Save Plan by the Biden administration cuts monthly student loan payments to 5-10% of income, making education more affordable. After 20-25 years, any remaining balance can be forgiven.

by Sai V

Updated Nov 29, 2023

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Save Plan Student Loans, What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of the SAVE Plan?

Save Plan Student Loans

The Save Plan for student loans is a new way to help people pay for their education. With this plan, the government sets monthly payments based on how much money you make, usually between 5% and 10% of what you can afford. This means your payments could be cut in half, and for some people with low incomes, they might not have to pay anything each month.

The best part is that after 20 or 25 years of making payments, whatever is left on the loan can be forgiven. This plan was created by the Biden administration in response to a Supreme Court decision that said not everyone could get their student loans forgiven, so the Save Plan is a different way to make things more affordable for millions of people.

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What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of the Save Plan?

The SAVE Plan, designed as a student loan repayment option, offers unique advantages and disadvantages that individuals should carefully weigh in their financial considerations. From potentially minimal payments to the elimination of capitalized interest, here's a concise breakdown of the key features defining the SAVE Plan.

Advantages of the Save Plan

  • Payments potentially as low as $0.
  • Allows you to earn more and pay less towards loans, with specific income thresholds for no payments.
  • Eliminates capitalized interest if required monthly payments are made.
  • No spousal signature required for the IDR application.

Disadvantages of the Save Plan

  • Not a student loan forgiveness plan; borrowers are still required to make payments.
  • Full implementation in 2024, with some features becoming available only at that time.
  • Forgiveness for borrowers making 10 years of repayments on balances of $12,000 or less starts in 2024.
  • Payments made before 2024 count toward the forgiveness time frame.
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Which Student Loans Get Forgiven Automatically?

The SAVE Plan, while not explicitly labeled as student loan forgiveness, operates similarly to Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans. Under this plan, the remaining balance of student loans may be forgiven after a designated period, ranging from 10 to 25 years. This forgiveness timeline is contingent upon factors such as the borrower's loan balance and the specific type of loans being repaid.

While the SAVE Plan does not fall under the category of automatic forgiveness, its structure aligns with other IDR plans, providing borrowers with the potential for loan forgiveness over time based on their financial circumstances and repayment history. It's crucial for borrowers to carefully review the terms of the specific plan they are enrolled in and stay informed about any updates to loan forgiveness programs.

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What Are the Differences Between SAVE and REPAYE?

SAVE and REPAYE diverge in crucial aspects, as outlined in the following table. From the percentage of discretionary income allocated for repayments to forgiveness periods and treatment of unpaid interest, this concise reference provides clarity on key differences. Use it to navigate and make informed decisions on your student debt repayment strategy.

Feature

SAVE

REPAYE

Percentage of discretionary income

5% to 10%

10%

Income-based exemptions

No payments for specific income levels

No specific income level exemptions

Forgiveness period

20 years for undergrad loans, 25 years for grad loans, 10 years for low-balance borrowers

20 years for undergrad loans, 25 years for grad loans

Treatment of unpaid interest

No increase in loan balance

Unpaid interest is capitalized

Income exemption level

Increases from 150% to 225% of federal poverty line

No change from 150% of federal poverty line

Treatment of spouse's income

Excluded for married couples filing separately

Always included in payment calculations


 

Save Plan Student Loans - FAQs

1. What is the SAVE Plan for student loans?

The SAVE Plan is a government initiative to make education more affordable by setting monthly payments based on income, potentially as low as $0.

2. Is the SAVE Plan a forgiveness program?

No, the SAVE Plan is not a forgiveness plan, but it allows potential forgiveness of remaining balances after 20 or 25 years of payments.

3. When does full implementation of the SAVE Plan occur?

The SAVE Plan is set to be fully implemented in 2024, with some features becoming available at that time.

4. What are the advantages of the SAVE Plan?

The advantages include low payments, potential elimination of capitalized interest, and no spousal signature requirement for the IDR application.

5. How does the SAVE Plan differ from REPAYE?

Differences include varying percentages of discretionary income, forgiveness periods, treatment of unpaid interest, and income exemption levels between SAVE and REPAYE.

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