Calculate your income-driven repayment plan payment based on AGI and family size. Compare IDR plans including SAVE, IBR, PAYE, and ICR.
Income-driven repayment (IDR) plans cap your federal student loan payment at a percentage of your discretionary income, making payments more manageable when your income is low relative to your debt. This calculator estimates your payment under the major IDR plans so you can compare and choose the best option.
Your discretionary income is calculated as your adjusted gross income (AGI) minus 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL) for your family size and state. Each IDR plan applies a different percentage to this amount, ranging from 5% to 20%, resulting in different monthly payments.
Four main IDR plans exist: SAVE (formerly REPAYE), IBR, PAYE, and ICR. Each has different eligibility requirements, payment formulas, and forgiveness timelines. This calculator gives you a side-by-side comparison to help you make an informed choice.
Students, parents, and educators all gain valuable perspective from precise income-driven repayment (idr) data when planning academic paths, managing workloads, or setting realistic performance goals. Return to this calculator each semester or grading period to stay on top of evolving academic targets.
If your student loan payments under the standard plan consume more than 10–15% of your income, an IDR plan can provide immediate relief. However, choosing the wrong plan can cost you thousands over the long term. This calculator compares all four plans simultaneously, showing monthly payments and total cost so you can find the best fit for your financial situation.
Discretionary Income = AGI − 150% × Federal Poverty Level IDR Payment = Discretionary Income × Plan Percentage / 12 SAVE: 5% (undergrad) or 10% (grad); IBR: 10–15%; PAYE: 10%; ICR: 20%
Result: SAVE: $115/mo | IBR: $230/mo | PAYE: $230/mo | ICR: $460/mo
With AGI of $45,000 and family size of 1, the 2024 FPL is ~$15,060. Discretionary income = $45,000 − $22,590 = $22,410. SAVE (undergrad): 5% = $1,121/yr ($93/mo). IBR (new): 10% = $2,241/yr ($187/mo). ICR: 20% = $4,482/yr ($374/mo). Actual amounts may vary.
The four IDR plans differ in payment percentage, payment cap, eligible loans, and forgiveness timeline. SAVE replaced REPAYE in 2023 and offers the lowest undergraduate payments at 5% of discretionary income with an interest subsidy. IBR and PAYE both charge 10% for new borrowers but cap payments at the standard 10-year amount. ICR charges 20% and is primarily used by Parent PLUS borrowers after consolidation.
Each year, you must recertify your income by providing tax information or pay stubs. Your payment adjusts based on your most recent income. If you fail to recertify on time, your payment jumps to the standard amount and unpaid interest capitalizes. Set a calendar reminder 30 days before your recertification deadline.
IDR plans are most beneficial when your debt is high relative to your income. If you owe more than your annual salary, IDR payments will likely be lower than standard payments and you may receive forgiveness. If your debt-to-income ratio is low, the standard plan may actually cost less over time.
Discretionary income is your adjusted gross income (AGI) minus 150% of the federal poverty level for your family size and state. It represents the income the government considers available for loan repayment after covering basic living costs.
The SAVE plan typically offers the lowest payment at 5% of discretionary income for undergraduate loans. PAYE and new IBR are next at 10%. ICR has the highest payments at 20% of discretionary income.
Under SAVE, IBR, and PAYE: after 20 years for undergraduate loans and 25 years for graduate loans. Under ICR: after 25 years. SAVE also offers forgiveness after as few as 10 years for borrowers with original balances under $12,000.
Currently, IDR forgiveness is tax-free through 2025 under the American Rescue Plan. After that, forgiven amounts may be treated as taxable income unless Congress extends the exemption. PSLF forgiveness is always tax-free.
Yes. You can switch IDR plans at any time by contacting your servicer. However, switching plans may capitalize unpaid interest and could affect your forgiveness timeline depending on the plan.
Your IDR payment will increase at your next annual recertification. If your IDR payment exceeds the standard 10-year amount, it's capped at the standard amount under PAYE and IBR (but not under SAVE or ICR).