How to Apply for PSLF Step-by-Step

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program offers full forgiveness of remaining federal student loan balances after 120 qualifying payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. However, to benefit from PSLF, one must follow a precise and fully documented PSLF application process. This guide breaks down every step needed to apply for PSLF, submit the correct PSLF form, and avoid delays or denials.

Step 1: Verify Your PSLF Eligibility

Before beginning the application process, confirm that you meet the foundational requirements:

• You have Direct Loans (or have consolidated into Direct Loans)

• You are enrolled in a qualifying repayment plan (usually an Income-Driven Repayment plan)

• You work full-time for a qualifying employer (government or eligible nonprofit)

• You have made or are making 120 qualifying monthly payments

If you do not meet these criteria, your PSLF application will not be approved regardless of form submission.

Step 2: Use the PSLF Help Tool

Visit the PSLF Help Tool on StudentAid.gov to simplify and automate the process.

The tool helps you:

• Determine if your employer qualifies

• Generate the PSLF form with your employment details pre-filled

• Manage employer certifications over time

• Track your progress toward forgiveness

Using the PSLF Help Tool ensures data consistency and reduces administrative errors in your PSLF form submission.

Step 3: Complete the PSLF Form Accurately

The official name of the form is the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) & Temporary Expanded PSLF (TEPSLF) Certification & Application. This single document is used both to certify your employment and to apply for PSLF.

Sections of the PSLF Form:

1. Borrower Information: Your personal and loan-related details

2. Employer Information: Name, address, EIN, and organization type

3. Employment Certification: Includes job title, start/end dates, and hours worked

4. Authorized Official’s Signature: Must be signed by your employer (typically HR)

Ensure the form is typed or completed legibly. Incomplete, inaccurate, or unsigned forms will be rejected or delayed.

Step 4: Submit the PSLF Form to MOHELA

All PSLF servicing and verification is handled by MOHELA, the designated servicer for the PSLF program.

Submission Methods:

• Upload via MOHELA account portal

• Fax to 866-222-7060

• Mail to:
  MOHELA
  PO Box 7556
  Madison, WI 53707-7556

Submitting through the online portal is faster and provides a digital confirmation. Do not submit your PSLF form to your current servicer unless it is MOHELA.

Step 5: Track Progress and Receive Payment Count Updates

Once MOHELA receives your PSLF application form, they will:

• Review your employer’s eligibility

• Count your qualifying monthly payments

• Notify you of any discrepancies or additional documentation needed

You can track your PSLF status and qualifying payments through your MOHELA borrower portal. Updates may take several weeks to several months, depending on volume.

Step 6: Repeat Certification Annually or When You Change Employers

To maintain your PSLF progress, submit the PSLF form each year or anytime you change jobs.

This helps you:

• Keep your qualifying payments current

• Avoid problems when applying for forgiveness later

• Resolve any employment documentation issues early

Annual resubmission is not mandatory but strongly recommended.

Step 7: Submit Final PSLF Application After 120 Payments

Once you’ve made 120 qualifying payments, complete and submit the same PSLF form to apply for final forgiveness.

MOHELA will:

• Confirm your full payment history

• Re-verify employment records

• Determine forgiveness eligibility

During review, continue making payments until your loan is officially forgiven.

Tips for a Smooth PSLF Application Process

• Save all submitted forms and confirmations

• Verify employer EIN against IRS and MOHELA records

• Use IDR plans like REPAYE or PAYE to stay eligible

• Never miss a monthly payment

• Consolidate non-Direct loans early to avoid losing payment credit

Small errors—such as missing signatures or incorrect dates—are common reasons PSLF forms are rejected. Double-check every field before submission.

Common Reasons PSLF Applications Get Denied

Prevention is key—submit forms proactively, keep documentation, and use the PSLF Help Tool to verify each step.

Applying for Public Service Loan Forgiveness involves more than simply submitting a form. A structured, timely, and consistent approach ensures that every qualifying payment counts. By using the PSLF Help Tool, certifying employment annually, and following submission procedures meticulously, borrowers can move confidently toward loan forgiveness.