🎓 Forgiveness
Teacher Loan Forgiveness Requirements: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
Short answer: Teacher Loan Forgiveness can cancel up to $5,000, or up to $17,500 for certain math, science and special education teachers, on eligible federal loans. You generally must teach full time for five consecutive years at a qualifying low-income school or educational service agency. It applies to certain Direct and FFEL Stafford loans, and the same years cannot also count toward PSLF.
How much can be forgiven
- Up to $17,500 for highly qualified teachers of mathematics or science at the secondary level, or special education teachers.
- Up to $5,000 for other qualifying teachers.
The program is described on the Department of Education’s Teacher Loan Forgiveness page. Amounts and rules can change, so confirm them there.
Core requirements
- Five complete and consecutive academic years of full-time teaching.
- Teaching at a low-income school or educational service agency listed in the Department’s Teacher Cancellation Low Income directory.
- Holding the required teaching qualifications for your role and state.
- Eligible loans: certain Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and FFEL Stafford Loans. PLUS loans are not eligible.
- Meeting the loan timing rules in the official instructions.
Teacher Loan Forgiveness vs PSLF
Many teachers qualify for both programs, but the same years of service cannot count toward both. Some teachers use Teacher Loan Forgiveness first for a smaller reduction, then pursue the larger benefit of PSLF on later years. Compare the details in PSLF requirements. For other options see student loan forgiveness eligibility.
How to apply
- Finish your fifth qualifying year first. You apply after, not during.
- Download the Teacher Loan Forgiveness application from StudentAid.gov or your servicer.
- Have your school district or principal complete the certification section.
- Send it to your servicer and keep copies.
Continue making payments until you are told your loans are forgiven. Do not pay anyone to file this form. See scam warning signs.
State programs for educators
Some states also run educator loan repayment programs. In Texas, for example, the Teach for Texas program exists. See California and Texas and Florida and New York.
Hypothetical example: A secondary math teacher completes five consecutive years at a qualifying school and applies. If approved, they could receive up to $17,500 in forgiveness on eligible loans. A teacher with only PLUS loans would not qualify for this program.
Keep payments affordable meanwhile
Choose a plan that fits your income. See 2026 repayment plans and how to lower student loan payments.
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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