Recent changes to the PSLF Certification process remain in place, but are temporary. This means, if you have federal student loans, you should submit an application for loan forgiveness. The sooner the better, but no later than Oct. 31, 2022—no matter where you are in the repayment process.

Current waiver guidelines currently apply:

• Payments made on repayment plans other than income-driven repayment plans will count; including payments made in the past.
• Payments made to federal loans borrowed from private banks (FFEL) and Perkins loans that previously did not count towards PSLF will now retroactively count (FFEL and Perkins). These would need to be consolidated into the Direct Loan program by October 31, 2022.
• For those who have previously consolidated their loans, payments made prior to consolidation may count toward the 120 payments required for forgiveness.
• Previously denied PSLF applications will be reviewed a second time for eligibility under the new guidelines. Even if you were denied previously, reapply!
• Borrowers who qualify for loan forgiveness under the new temporary guidelines who also have made excess payments may qualify for a refund.
• Student Loans in COVID-19 Emergency Relief and Federal Student Aid deferment (set to end 08/31/2022 by the way) may be counted toward the total 120 payments.

As a tax-exempt, not-for-profit, Drake University is a qualifying employer. Drake HR is committed to helping you through this process. Be sure to send page 2 of the PSLF Form to DrakeHR@Drake.edu without your SSN (never email your social!). We will promptly complete page 2 and return it (if you have worked for more than one qualifying employer, ask each of them to complete page 2).

The PSLF website recommends that you submit loan forgiveness form, even if you have not made all 120 payments. They will be able to calculate the total number of eligible payments, credit you with any payments eligible under the current waiver guideline and give you an exact number of how many additional payments are needed. This, in turn, will make the process easier when you do meet all requirements.

If you have questions, feel free to reach out to DrakeHR@drake.edu.

— Trevon Smith, HR