How many payments do I need for PSLF?

You need 120 qualifying monthly payments — exactly 10 years — made while working full-time at a qualifying public service employer under an income-driven repayment plan (IBR, PAYE, or RAP for post-July 2026 loans). Lump-sum payments, missed payments, and payments during a grace period do not count.

Does residency count toward PSLF?

Yes — if your residency program is at a nonprofit hospital or government institution, your IDR payments during residency count toward PSLF. Most academic medical centers and public hospitals qualify. You must submit an Employment Certification Form (ECF) for each employer to get those years credited.

Is PSLF forgiveness taxable?

No. PSLF forgiveness is completely tax-free under current law. This is a major advantage over standard IDR forgiveness (after 20–25 years), which generates a taxable income event. PSLF has no tax consequence regardless of the amount forgiven.

How do I verify my qualifying payment count?

Log in to your MOHELA account at mohela.com — your qualifying payment count is shown on your PSLF dashboard. You can also submit an Employment Certification Form (ECF) at studentaid.gov to get an official count update. Submit an ECF annually and each time you change employers.

What happens if I switch to a private employer during PSLF?

Payments made while working at a non-qualifying employer do not count toward PSLF. Your previously earned qualifying payments remain on your record, but payments during private employment will not add to your count. Verify any new employer's eligibility at studentaid.gov before signing.

Free Tool

PSLF Payment
Countdown Tracker

Enter your qualifying payment count and see exactly when your debt disappears — and how much will be forgiven.

Your PSLF details

Qualifying payments completed

Find this on your MOHELA account or ECF confirmation

Date of first qualifying payment

Current loan balance

Monthly IBR payment

Progress

24 / 120

qualifying payments

Remaining

payments left

060120

Forgiveness date

December 2031

5y 5mo from now

Est. balance forgiven

$217K

tax-free under current law

Milestones

✓

Year 1 complete

12 qualifying payments

✓

Year 2 complete

24 qualifying payments

Year 3 — recertify IDR

36 qualifying payments

Year 4 complete

48 qualifying payments

Halfway to PSLF!

60 qualifying payments

Year 6 — recertify IDR

72 qualifying payments

Year 7 complete

84 qualifying payments

Year 8 complete

96 qualifying payments

108

Year 9 — recertify IDR

108 qualifying payments

120

🎉 PSLF Forgiveness!

120 qualifying payments

⚠️ Don't lose your progress

• Submit ECF annually — Employment Certification Forms keep your count verified in real time
• Recertify IDR every year — missing recertification can cause payment count gaps
• Verify employer eligibility before switching jobs — PSLF eligibility can change with employer
• Do not refinance — converting to private loans permanently eliminates PSLF eligibility

Want the full PSLF model?

The MedDebt Calculator shows total cost, forgiveness amount, and net worth crossover — all modeled with your specialty and salary.

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This tracker is a planning tool. Actual qualifying payment counts are determined by your loan servicer (MOHELA). Always verify your count at studentaid.gov.

PSLF PaymentCountdown Tracker

Your PSLF details

Milestones

PSLF Payment
Countdown Tracker