Repayment Indecision

Short version – I'm trying to decide if I should change to IBR right now or wait things out.

My specifics:

–about 191K in student loans – thank you capitalized interest – currently enrolled in SAVE and in administrative forbearance;

–originally entered repayment in early 2003, so if I enroll in IBR the monthly payments will be 15% of discretionary income with forgiveness at 25 years;

–following the one-time payment count adjustment a couple of years ago, the "behind the scenes" payment count link shows 269 payments for IBR and SAVE;

–I've never earned what my degree would suggest I can earn, so I'm likely going to make monthly payments until the balance is forgiven or until I die.

Now, here are the questions:

1) I've seen some reports / comments that suggest that the one time payment count might be adjusted again, or even reversed entirely. Do we think that's likely?

2) My computations show that I'd be best off with IBR to get the lowest monthly payment. Do we have any confidence that we will be put into plans that are "best" for us? Or do we suspect that everyone being moved off SAVE will be put into either the Standard or Extended plans, based on their original payment plan eligibility? Or even into RAP?

3) IBR exists because of a law passed by congress, so it can't simply be "wiped away" with the stroke of the pen by the Sec of Ed. However, congress could act and either modify or completely revoke that plan. Has anyone seen or read anything that might indicate such a thing is likely? Or if it's even being considered?

4) Due to a one-time circumstance, my apparent income for 2025 is higher than normal and will result in a higher payment for an entire year of repayment. Has anyone heard of any "special circumstance" kind of thing for a situation of a one-time income increase? And no, the situation that resulted in the bump in income will not recur.

5) If I want to wait out my tax situation, does anyone know when I can safely file for a new income-based repayment plan and have it use my 2026 income?

Ultimately, I want to make sure that I lock in a payment through the IBR plan rather than any other option. BUT, I don't want to start payments any sooner that I absolutely have to, mainly because of the possibility that I could end up making payments for the rest of my life.

Thanks in advance for any ideas, commentary, or suggestions!