RAPpath

2026 · Repayment Assistance Plan

Estimate your 2026 RAP student loan payment

The Repayment Assistance Plan launches July 1, 2026. Enter your income to estimate your monthly payment and see instantly whether RAP or IBR is lower.

From line 11 of your IRS Form 1040.

−$50/mo each

For IBR compare

Estimated RAP payment
$—
RAP
$—
IBR
$—

Key RAP deadlines

  1. Jul 1, 2026 RAP enrollment opens. Also the deadline to consolidate Parent PLUS loans to keep income-driven (IBR) access.
  2. Jul 1, 2027 PAYE closes to new enrollment.
  3. Jul 1, 2028 SAVE, PAYE & ICR end — only RAP and IBR remain. Borrowers must switch.

Launches July 1, 2026

Be ready the day RAP opens

Enrollment goes live on StudentAid.gov on July 1, 2026. Get one email the moment it does — no spam, just the heads-up.

How the Repayment Assistance Plan works

RAP was created by the 2025 reconciliation law and replaces SAVE as an income-driven option. Unlike older plans that use discretionary income, RAP applies a percentage directly to your full Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).

Simple formula

(AGI × bracket rate ÷ 12) − $50 per dependent. No discretionary-income math.

$10 minimum

Your payment never drops below $10/month — even if your income falls to zero.

Interest waiver

If your payment doesn’t cover the monthly interest, the unpaid interest is waived.

$50 principal match

Reduce principal by under $50? The government adds up to $50 — your balance always drops.

RAP income brackets (2026)

Your bracket rate rises with income, from a $10 flat floor to 10% of AGI.

$0 – $10,000 flat
$10,001 – $20,000 1%
$20,001 – $30,000 2%
$30,001 – $40,000 3%
$40,001 – $50,000 4%
$50,001 – $60,000 5%
$60,001 – $70,000 6%
$70,001 – $80,000 7%
$80,001 – $90,000 8%
$90,001 – $100,000 9%
$100,001+ 10%

Frequently asked questions

How is the RAP payment calculated?

Your RAP payment is a percentage of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) based on an income bracket, divided by 12, minus $50 for each dependent. The minimum payment is $10 per month. Rates range from 1% (AGI of $10,001–$20,000) up to 10% (AGI over $100,000).

When does the Repayment Assistance Plan start?

RAP becomes available on July 1, 2026. After that date, new federal Direct Loan borrowers can choose between the Repayment Assistance Plan and the Tiered Standard plan. Borrowers on SAVE, PAYE, or ICR must move to a new plan by July 1, 2028.

Does RAP reduce my payment for dependents?

Yes. RAP subtracts $50 from your monthly payment for each dependent you claim on your federal tax return. Your payment can never drop below the $10 monthly minimum.

Is RAP cheaper than IBR?

It depends on your income and family size. RAP is based on a flat percentage of total AGI, while IBR is 10–15% of discretionary income (AGI minus 150% of the poverty line). Use the comparison in the calculator above to see which is lower for your numbers.

Is this the official government RAP calculator?

No. This is a free independent estimator for educational use. It is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education. Always confirm your actual payment with your loan servicer.

Guides & comparisons

Estimates are based on published RAP rules as of June 2026 and the 2025 HHS poverty guidelines. Your servicer’s final figures may differ.