Determine whether your loans are federal or private
Review your loan type and servicer account details
Check eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Check eligibility for Income-Driven Repayment forgiveness
Check eligibility for Teacher Loan Forgiveness
Check eligibility for Perkins Loan cancellation
Check eligibility for Total and Permanent Disability discharge
Check eligibility for borrower defense to repayment
Check eligibility for closed school discharge
Check eligibility for false certification discharge
Check eligibility for unpaid refund discharge
Check eligibility for death discharge
Make qualifying payments on time if required
Enroll in the correct repayment plan if required
Submit all required forgiveness applications
Keep records of payments, employment, and correspondence
Certify employment annually if required
Reapply or recertify when deadlines require it
Contact your loan servicer for current requirements
Avoid default and missed payments
Verify whether state, employer, or military programs apply
Consolidate only if it will not harm forgiveness eligibility
Review official federal student aid resources regularly