Can my IBR payment be $0?

Yes — if your AGI is below 150% of the poverty guideline for your family size ($23,940.00 for a single person in 2026), your IBR payment is $0. RAP has a $10 monthly minimum.

Which reaches forgiveness first, RAP or IBR?

IBR forgives after 20 years (post-2014 borrowers) or 25 years; RAP forgives after 30 years. PSLF is 10 years of qualifying employment on either.

Does RAP or IBR waive unpaid interest?

RAP waives it. IBR does not — unpaid interest accrues.

EduPulse › Plan Switch

RAP vs IBR — the real decision most SAVE borrowers face

There is no universal winner. IBR protects the first $23,940.00 (single) to $49,500.00 (family of 4) of income — so lower earners and bigger families often pay less on IBR, sometimes $0. RAP's brackets tax full AGI but top out at 10%, waive unpaid interest, and reach forgiveness in 30 years vs IBR's 20/25. Run both numbers before your switch.

Computed comparisons

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.

Rules of thumb (verify with your own numbers)

Income under ~150% of the poverty line → IBR is often $0/month; RAP has a $10 floor.
High balance + payment that doesn't cover interest → RAP's interest waiver is worth real money.
Chasing PSLF → both qualify; pick the lower payment.
New loans or consolidation after July 1, 2026 → IBR is off the table entirely.

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