PSLF buyback: how it works in 2026
Short answer: PSLF buyback lets you make a payment for past months spent in certain deferments or forbearances so those months count toward your 120 PSLF payments. You can only request it if buying back those months would get you to 120 (you need qualifying employment in those months, and a positive loan balance). ED — not your servicer — calculates the amount based on the income-driven payment that applied around that period, sends a buyback agreement, and you generally have 90 days to pay. We do not publish a buyback estimator because the official amount depends on your plan history and income documentation that only ED reviews.
Last verified November 5, 2026 · PSLFCheck Editorial
Who can request buyback
- You had qualifying employment (certified) during the deferment/forbearance months you want to buy back.
- Buying back those months would bring you to 120 qualifying payments.
- Your loan still has a balance. You do not need to still work in public service when you request it, per ED's guidance.
How ED sets the amount (no guesswork)
Per studentaid.gov, the amount is based on the income-driven repayment payment that applied to you before or after the period being bought back. If the period starts or ends on or after July 1, 2024, the amount cannot be based on the SAVE formula; if you were not on IBR, PAYE, or ICR on either side of the period, ED requests income and family-size information to set the amount. If you don't provide it, ED may use the 10-year Standard plan amount, which is usually higher.
Because that depends on your plan history and documents ED reviews, any third-party number is only a rough guide. Use your studentaid.gov payment history and ask ED for the official figure.
How to request
- Confirm your employment is certified for the months in question with the PSLF form / PSLF Help Tool.
- Log in to studentaid.gov and submit the PSLF buyback request from the PSLF section.
- Watch your email: ED responds there; there is no public status tracker.
- If approved, pay the amount in the buyback agreement by its deadline (generally 90 days). A late payment can void the agreement.
Backlog warning (Nov 2026)
Buyback requests have a large processing backlog (court filings cited about 88,000 pending in spring 2026), and a borrower lawsuit over delays was filed in October 2026. Keep copies of everything. See what's happening with forgiveness policy.
Not sure you're close to 120? Count your months in the PSLF calculator, or run the forgiveness checker.
Check my forgiveness options →RAP calculatorPSLF employer search
FAQ
Is there an official PSLF buyback calculator?
No public ED calculator exists. ED calculates the amount after you submit a request, using your IDR payment history or income information.
Can I buy back months if I'm not at 120 yet?
Only if the bought-back months would bring you to 120 qualifying payments.
Does my servicer decide buyback?
No. Federal Student Aid reviews buyback requests; servicers can confirm payment and employment history.
Sources
- PSLF Buyback — studentaid.gov (PSLF page, buyback section) — accessed November 5, 2026
- IDR Plan Court Actions: Impact on Borrowers (buyback & SAVE) — studentaid.gov — accessed November 5, 2026
- 34 CFR 685.219 — PSLF, including buyback (eCFR) — accessed November 5, 2026
Related: What is PSLF · PSLF requirements · PSLF form · Teacher forgiveness · Forgiveness in 2026 · Apply for RAP · Get out of default · Wage garnishment