🎓 RAP
How to Apply for the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) Step by Step
Short answer: Apply for RAP for free at StudentAid.gov/idr. You will log in with your FSA ID, confirm your income, and choose RAP. RAP is for Direct Loan borrowers (Parent PLUS loans are not eligible), payments start at $10 a month, and any remaining balance can be canceled after 30 years of qualifying payments.
Who can use RAP
The Repayment Assistance Plan launched July 1, 2026 as an income-driven option for federal Direct Loans. If you borrow a new federal loan on or after that date, RAP and the Tiered Standard plan are generally your only choices. Some borrowers cannot use RAP, including those with Parent PLUS loans or consolidation loans that repaid Parent PLUS loans. If that is you, read our Parent PLUS repayment options. For the full list of plans, see federal repayment plans in 2026.
What to have ready before you apply
- Your FSA ID (username and password for StudentAid.gov). Never share it. See student loan scam warning signs.
- Your most recent federal tax return, or another way to document income.
- Your filing status and the number of dependents you claim.
- A list of your federal loans. If you are unsure, follow how to find your servicer and loans.
How to apply, step by step
- Go to StudentAid.gov/idr and log in with your FSA ID.
- Start the income-driven repayment application and select the Repayment Assistance Plan.
- Approve the use of your federal tax information, or enter your income manually if asked.
- Review the estimated payment, then submit the application.
- Watch for a message from your servicer confirming your plan and payment amount.
Applying is free. You can also contact your servicer for help. Do not pay a company to apply for you.
How your RAP payment works
Your payment is based on your adjusted gross income (AGI), not on your loan balance. It is a percentage of AGI that rises from about 1% to 10% as income increases, divided by 12. Then $50 is subtracted for each dependent, and the lowest possible payment is $10 a month. RAP also includes two protections when you make full, on-time payments:
- Interest waiver: if your payment does not cover the interest that builds each month, the unpaid interest is not charged.
- Principal match: if your payment reduces your principal by less than $50, a matching payment is applied so principal falls by up to $50 that month.
Hypothetical example: A borrower with a low AGI and two dependents could see a payment at or near the $10 minimum, while a borrower with a higher AGI and no dependents could pay much more. Use the Loan Simulator for your real estimate.
Is RAP the right choice for you?
RAP is not always the lowest-payment option. Compare it with IBR in RAP vs IBR. If your main goal is a smaller bill, see how to lower student loan payments. If you work in public service, check how plan choice affects PSLF.
Mistakes to avoid
- Missing the on-time payment requirement, which can cost you the interest and principal benefits.
- Paying far ahead in a way that creates months with no payment due, which can also affect the benefits for those months.
- Forgetting to update your income or family size when it changes.
- Applying through a paid third party.
Rules change. This guide was reviewed on October 22, 2026 against official sources. Federal student-loan programs, deadlines and court-driven changes can shift quickly, so confirm current details at StudentAid.gov before you act.
Frequently asked questions
Official sources and references
Related guides
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