Written By Travis Hornsby, CFA®, CFP®
Updated on August 28, 2026
The Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) is open for applications, and you can sign up for it now.
We’ll explain how and let you know what questions could potentially trip you up.
Note that these steps being numbered doesn’t signify anything formally. It’s just a useful way to break up what you’ll be expected to do when switching to RAP or signing up for it.
Step 1: Go to the student aid website
Visit studentaid.gov/idr. You’ll see the following screen. Log in.
If you're already on a different income-driven repayment (IDR) plan, you’ll select returning borrowers. If you’ve never signed up for an IDR plan, choose the new applicants button.
Step 2: Authorize the IRS and confirm your info
Generally speaking, you’ll want to provide IRS authorization to share income data with the Department of Education to allow for easy recertification of your RAP payments every year.
You’ll also confirm a bunch of contact info and demographic info.
Step 3: Enter your tax filing and income info
Eventually you’ll come across this screen if you’re married. If you're single, you can skip the filing-status question and move straight to the income section.
It’s really important to file your taxes the right way for the purposes of your RAP payment calculation so that it’s as low as possible. If you're married, your filing status is the lever here. Filing separately can lower the income RAP counts, which can lower your monthly payment. That choice can also raise your tax bill or cost you some tax breaks, so it's worth running both ways before you file.
After you enter some more info about your family size, you’ll be asked to confirm some more info about your income.
NOTE: Your answers may differ from the screenshots you see below. Answer all the questions truthfully based on your own individual circumstances.
Step 4: Estimate payments, select a plan and submit
You’ll encounter something like the picture below. It’ll ask you to estimate your payment and select a plan. You should see RAP as one of the choices.
Don't see it? That usually comes down to an eligibility issue. If that happens, contact your loan servicer or talk to one of our consultants before you go any further.
Finally, you’ll see a bunch of legalese asking you if you want to continue and submit.
The final question will look something like this.
Once you’ve confirmed and submitted everything, your application to join RAP is complete. It’s easier than you think.
Who should switch to RAP?
RAP is mainly for two groups. Primarily, it’s generally a good option for borrowers who are only eligible for Old IBR. It can also be beneficial for borrowers who want to take advantage of interest subsidies on their student loans.
Other borrowers might be better off on the New IBR plan or PAYE temporarily if pursuing PSLF.
How long will it take to switch to RAP?
Historically, it could take a couple of months to move a borrower over into a new IDR plan. The Department is understaffed, and it’s trying to hire a bunch of employees to help process the influx of new requests. So it’s reasonable to assume you might have to wait a while for your RAP application to be processed.
Just know that the online path on the Student Aid website is likely the fastest way to do it.
How to get RAP help
If you’re confused as to whether RAP is right for you, get an expert plan from one of our student loan consultants. We’d love to help evaluate your options and give you the best guidance on how to lower your stress level as you figure out what to do next with your student loans.
Not sure what to do with your student loans?
Take our 11-question quiz to get a personalized recommendation for 2026 on whether you should pursue PSLF, IDR, or refinancing (including the one lender we think could give you the best rate).
