Can students still apply for Income-Driven Repayment plans? Find out

On Feb. 26, Donald Trump’s Administration removed the ability to apply online from the Federal Student Aid website and, allegedly, instructed loan servicers to halt processing of new income-driven repayment (IDR) plan applications, The Washington Post reported.

Then, on March 19, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) sued the Trump Administration over the IDR application shutdown.

The AFT claimed that the administration illegally blocked borrowers from having access to more affordable monthly payments and making progress toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness, CNBC reported.

What is the future of student loans repayment plans? Specifically IDR plans?

The Department of Education announced on March 26 that it is re-opening applications for income-driven repayment plans for federal student loan borrowers.

The previous removal of repayment plan material from Federal Student Aid website not only complicated the application process for new borrowers, but also complicated the renewal process for borrowers already enrolled in repayment plans.

Now, borrowers can, once again, apply for repayment plans, including income-based repayment, Pay As You Earn and income-contingent repayment.

Income-driven repayment plans allow borrowers to make monthly payments based on their income, in order to give low-income borrowers an affordable repayment option to help them stay current on their loans.

Financial Aid in Louisiana

Majority of high school graduates in Louisiana are eligible for some type of merit-or-need-based financial aid.

Louisiana students can apply for state or federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can be used at four-year universities, two-year community colleges and technical training programs.

Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com