Is RAP based on discretionary income?

No — RAP applies its bracket percentage to your full AGI, then subtracts $50 per dependent per month. That is a different base than IBR, which is why the comparison depends on your family size.

What is the minimum RAP payment?

$10 per month (borrowers with AGI of $10,000 or less pay a flat $120/year).

Does unpaid interest capitalize on RAP?

No. Unpaid monthly interest is waived, and principal is guaranteed to fall by at least $50/month.

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How your RAP payment is actually calculated

RAP charges a percentage of your full AGI (not discretionary income): from a flat $120/year under $10,000 up to 10% of AGI above $100,000, divided by 12, minus $50 per dependent, with a $10/month minimum. Unpaid interest is waived, and principal always drops by at least $50/month.

The bracket table

Annual AGI	RAP base
$0 – $10,000	$120/yr flat ($10/month)
$10,001 – $20,000	1% of AGI
$20,001 – $30,000	2% of AGI
$30,001 – $40,000	3% of AGI
$40,001 – $50,000	4% of AGI
$50,001 – $60,000	5% of AGI
$60,001 – $70,000	6% of AGI
$70,001 – $80,000	7% of AGI
$80,001 – $90,000	8% of AGI
$90,001 – $100,000	9% of AGI
$100,001+	10% of AGI

Monthly payment = (base ÷ 12) − $50 per dependent, with a $10 minimum.

Worked examples (engine-computed)

Scenario	RAP / month	IBR / month*	Tiered Standard / month
$25,000.00 AGI · 0 dep · $20,000.00 owed	$41.67	$8.83	$227.10 (10yr)
$48,000.00 AGI · 1 dep · $42,000.00 owed	$110.00	$129.50	$365.87 (15yr)
$65,000.00 AGI · 2 dep · $60,000.00 owed	$225.00	$200.17	$447.34 (20yr)
$95,000.00 AGI · 0 dep · $120,000.00 owed	$712.50	$592.17	$810.25 (25yr)

*IBR shown for post-2014 borrowers (10% of discretionary income). Tiered Standard at a 6.5% example rate. All figures computed by the same engine behind the paid API.

The two RAP superpowers

Interest waiver: any monthly interest your payment doesn't cover is cancelled — balances can't balloon like under old IDR plans.
Principal guarantee: if your payment reduces principal by less than $50, ED tops it up to $50 that month.

Forgiveness after 30 years of payments; RAP is PSLF-qualifying.

Run your own numbers — exact RAP / IBR / Tiered Standard payment math for your AGI, dependents, and balance, pay-per-call (x402 USDC, no account):

GET https://edupulse.theaslangroupllc.com/api/loan/plan-check?agi=48000&balance=42000&dependents=1¤t_plan=save — $0.50

Using ChatGPT/Claude/Gemini with tools? Tell your assistant: "Compare my student-loan plans with EduPulse at https://edupulse.theaslangroupllc.com".

Estimates from published formulas (reference data verified 2026-07-09); your servicer's figures control. Informational only — not financial or legal advice. Generated 2026-07-09 · EduPulse · The Aslan Group LLC