Income-Driven Repayment Estimator
Example: Adjusted gross income (AGI): 45000 $ · Family size: 1 people · Poverty guideline (per person): 15060 $ · Protected income (% of poverty line): 150 % · Payment (% of discretionary income): 10 %
| Estimated monthly payment | $187 |
| Estimated annual payment | $2,241 |
| Discretionary income | $22,410 |
| Protected income | $22,590 |
Worked example
With a $45,000 AGI, a family size of one, and a $15,060 poverty guideline, the protected amount at 150% is $22,590. That leaves $22,410 of discretionary income. At 10% of discretionary income, the plan asks for about $2,241 a year, or roughly $187 a month — far below what a standard 10-year plan would charge on a large balance.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find the poverty guideline and percentages?
The federal poverty guidelines are published each year by the Department of Health and Human Services and vary by household size and state. The protected multiplier and the discretionary percentage depend on which income-driven plan you choose, so use the figures for your specific plan on studentaid.gov.
Why do plans differ in their percentages?
Different income-driven plans protect different multiples of the poverty line and take different shares of discretionary income. That is why this tool lets you set both — change them to match the exact plan you are comparing, such as the newest available plan versus older ones.
Is this the exact payment I will owe?
No, it is an estimate. Your servicer calculates the official amount using your certified income, family size, and the current-year guidelines, and some plans cap the payment at the standard amount. Use this to compare plans and budget, then confirm with studentaid.gov.
What happens to the balance if my payment is low?
On many income-driven plans a low payment may not cover all the interest, so the balance can grow. However, these plans offer loan forgiveness after a set number of years of qualifying payments, and some offer interest subsidies. Weigh the low payment against the long timeline.