Ask Numlight
Ask in plain English. Every number comes from our tested calculators.
Educational only, not financial advice. Your question is processed by our AI provider; please don't include personal details.
RAP payment by income
| Adjusted gross income | Monthly payment (before dependents) |
|---|---|
| $10,000 or less | $10/month |
| $10,001 – $20,000 | 1% of AGI ÷ 12 |
| $20,001 – $30,000 | 2% of AGI ÷ 12 |
| $30,001 – $40,000 | 3% of AGI ÷ 12 |
| $40,001 – $50,000 | 4% of AGI ÷ 12 |
| $50,001 – $60,000 | 5% of AGI ÷ 12 |
| $60,001 – $70,000 | 6% of AGI ÷ 12 |
| $70,001 – $80,000 | 7% of AGI ÷ 12 |
| $80,001 – $90,000 | 8% of AGI ÷ 12 |
| $90,001 – $100,000 | 9% of AGI ÷ 12 |
| Over $100,000 | 10% of AGI ÷ 12 |
Minus $50/month per dependent, never below $10. Source: Edfinancial (studentaid.gov) — Repayment Assistance Plan.
Assumptions
- RAP payment is recalculated each year as income grows; family size stays the same. Uses one blended interest rate.
- The government's principal match and interest waiver apply only to on-time, full payments.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP)?+
A new income-driven plan for federal Direct loans, available from July 1, 2026. Payments are 1%–10% of your adjusted gross income (based on income bracket) divided by 12, minus $50 a month per dependent, with a $10 minimum. Any balance left after 30 years of payments is forgiven.
What happens if my RAP payment doesn't cover the interest?+
The unpaid interest for that month is waived, so your balance doesn't grow. And if an on-time payment reduces your principal by less than $50, the Department of Education adds a matching principal payment of up to $50.
What happened to SAVE, PAYE and ICR?+
Those plans are being phased out for current borrowers by July 1, 2028; new loans after July 1, 2026 can only use RAP or a new standard plan. Income-Based Repayment remains for existing borrowers.
Is RAP forgiveness taxed?+
Forgiveness of student debt is federally tax-free only through 2025 under the 2021 law; forgiveness under RAP after 30 years may count as taxable income. Public Service Loan Forgiveness remains tax-free.
Related calculators
Uses 2026 rules and limits. Last reviewed October 15, 2026. Calculator version 1.0.0. Sources: Edfinancial (studentaid.gov) — Repayment Assistance Plan · CRS — The Repayment Assistance Plan in P.L. 119-21. Results are estimates for educational purposes, not financial, tax or lending advice. How we check our numbers.