RAPpath

RAP guide

RAP and Parent PLUS Loans

Parent PLUS loans cannot be repaid under RAP — not directly, and not even after consolidation. But an income-driven path is still open if you act before the deadlines.

The rule in plain English

What to do before July 1, 2026

  1. Confirm with your servicer whether your Parent PLUS loans are already consolidated and which plans they qualify for.
  2. If you want income-driven repayment, start a Direct Consolidation Loan application now — processing can take weeks.
  3. Enroll in an available income-driven plan (ICR, then IBR once eligible). RAP will not be available for these loans.

Frequently asked questions

Are Parent PLUS loans eligible for RAP?

No. Parent PLUS loans — and Direct Consolidation Loans that repaid a Parent PLUS loan ("excepted consolidation loans") — are not eligible for the Repayment Assistance Plan, even after you consolidate. RAP is simply not an option for Parent PLUS debt.

What income-driven plan can Parent PLUS borrowers use?

After consolidating a Parent PLUS loan into a Direct Consolidation Loan, you can repay it under Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) — the one income-driven plan these loans qualify for. If you consolidate before July 1, 2026 and are enrolled in an available income-driven plan before July 1, 2028, the consolidation loan also becomes eligible for an IBR plan.

Why does July 1, 2026 matter for Parent PLUS loans?

It is the cutoff to preserve broader income-driven access. Consolidate your Parent PLUS loans before July 1, 2026 (and enroll in an income-driven plan before July 1, 2028) to keep IBR eligibility. Consolidation can take several weeks, so start well ahead. Note: the older "double consolidation" loophole was closed on July 1, 2025.

Educational summary of published rules as of June 2026 — not legal or financial advice. Eligibility and deadlines can change; verify with your servicer and StudentAid.gov.

Next: How RAP works · RAP vs IBR · RAP payment by income