My in-laws are struggling to make payments on parent plus loans, and the child whom they benefitted is not in a position to help. I think I found a way out?? Here are the numbers:

    • Total current balance: $155,206 at 8.25%
    • Enrolled in ICR
    • Monthly payments around $500
    • Halfway to achieving PSLF forgiveness, then MIL lost job (not likely she will re-enter the workforce, although she has submitted many applications)
    • MIL current income: $0 (will begin receiving SSI in February: $24,060/yr)
    • FIL current income (social security): $30k/year

    My questions are:

    • Since the loans are in MIL's name, can they do 2025 taxes as married/filing separately in order to exclude FIL's income from calculations? I believe this would bring monthly payments down to $0
    • I hear ICR is going away… should they enroll in IBR asap?
    • Any other strategies we should consider?

    Aging parents + parent plus loans
    byu/mrsdrfs inStudentLoans



    Posted by mrsdrfs

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