PSLF Buyback Guide: How to Fast-Track Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you’re working toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), you may now have the chance to “buy back” months of service — moving you faster toward your 120 qualifying payments.
Here’s your full 2025 guide on how PSLF Buyback works — and why you should act now. What is PSLF Buyback?

PSLF Buyback allows you to pay for certain months where you worked for a qualified employer — but those months didn’t count toward forgiveness because your loans were in deferment, forbearance, or another status. By buying back those months, they will be added to your PSLF count.

Who Qualifies for Buyback?

• You must have Direct Loans.
• You must have worked full-time for a qualifying employer during the “buyback” months.
• You should be close to 120 payments — for example, missing a few months due to forbearance or deferment.

Which Payments Can You Buy Back?
Payments missed due to:

• Administrative forbearance during consolidation
• Certain deferments
• Temporary issues (if working for a qualified employer)

You cannot buy back:

• Periods in default
• In-school or grace periods
• Periods without a qualifying employer

How Is The Buyback Amount Calculated?
The amount you pay is typically based on what your payment would have been under your income-driven plan at the time. The government often uses the lowest of the prior or subsequent payment amounts to calculate your buyback cost.

Example: If you missed 10 months, and your calculated payment is $200/month, you’d pay $2,000 to buy back those months. Why Act Now?

With major legislation changes pending (Senate “One Big Beautiful Bill”), borrowers could be forced into less favorable plans. Completing PSLF Buyback now:

• Helps you lock in forgiveness before changes
• Prevents being forced into new repayment programs
• Could save you from paying years longer

How To Start Your Buyback

• Review your payment count in your aid file at StudentAid.gov
• Identify months eligible for buyback
• Complete the PSLF Reconsideration & Buyback request
• Pay the buyback amount within 90 days

Need help? LoanSense can:
  Review your buyback opportunity
  Complete paperwork for you
  Track your submissions

Schedule a PSLF Buyback Consult with LoanSense