| Direct loan consolidation is an excellent option that | | | | Monthly payments under this repayment plan are |
| allows borrowers to consolidate their existing student | | | | capped at fifteen percent of discretionary income. |
| loans. This is especially beneficial for those who are | | | | Discretionary income is the difference between 150% |
| managing two or more loans. By consolidating the | | | | of poverty guideline for your state of residence and |
| loans, it is possible to reduce the strain of monitoring | | | | size of family and your AGI or Adjusted Gross |
| repayments. Direct consolidation offers a variety of | | | | Income. |
| flexible repayment options and renewed deferments | | | | For those who file separate taxes and are married, |
| as compared to private loan consolidation. | | | | direct loan consolidation income based repayment plan |
| If you continue paying back student loans and are | | | | will consider only the income for calculating the amount |
| presently employed, you can opt for the IBR Plan or | | | | for IBR payment. In order to be eligible for this plan of |
| the Income-Based Repayment Plan. Under this plan, | | | | repayment, it is necessary to authorize the IRS or the |
| your yearly income is taken into account to determine | | | | US Internal Revenue Service who will then inform the |
| your monthly repayment. In order to enroll for this | | | | Department of Education, US the exact amount of |
| program, you must have financial hardship, at least | | | | income you earn. |
| partial. | | | | You can obtain further information through the direct |
| As an alternate to the ICR or Income Contingent | | | | loan servicing center that will also help with the loan |
| Repayment, this plan is designed in such a manner that | | | | process and management. Check if you are eligible for |
| it is easy for students to repay loans even if they land | | | | income based repayment option as you reach out for |
| in a job that pays less such as public service careers. | | | | direct loan consolidation. |