RAPpath

2026 · Repayment Assistance Plan

Estimate your 2026 RAP student loan payment

The Repayment Assistance Plan is open — enrollment started July 1, 2026. Enter your income to estimate your monthly payment and see instantly whether RAP or IBR is lower before you apply.

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 opened on StudentAid.gov. Also the cutoff (now passed) to consolidate Parent PLUS loans to keep income-driven (IBR) access. SAVE notices began the same day — each gives 90 days to choose a new plan.
  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.

Open since July 1, 2026

RAP is live — apply when you’re ready

Enrollment is open on StudentAid.gov and takes about 10 minutes. Leaving SAVE? You have 90 days from your servicer’s notice. Want a nudge before the next cutoff (PAYE closes July 1, 2027; SAVE, PAYE & ICR end July 1, 2028)? Leave your email — 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).

Is the Repayment Assistance Plan available now?

Yes. RAP opened on July 1, 2026 and you can apply on StudentAid.gov — the application takes about 10 minutes. New federal Direct Loan borrowers choose between RAP and the Tiered Standard plan. Former SAVE borrowers have 90 days from their servicer’s notice to pick a new plan, and everyone on 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 October 2026 and the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines. Your servicer’s final figures may differ.