If you’re working in public service and hoping for student loan forgiveness, there’s good news: the Department of Education has opened new doors in 2025 with PSLF Reconsideration and PSLF Buyback. These two tools can help borrowers correct past mistakes, recover lost time, and finally qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
Let’s break it down.
What Is PSLF Reconsideration?
PSLF Reconsideration gives borrowers a second chance. If the Department of Education denied your application for loan forgiveness in the past, or if they approved it but for the wrong amount, you can now ask them to take another look.
In plain English? It’s a PSLF do-over.
For instance, if you believe someone wrongly counted your payments, didn’t recognize your employment, or a servicer messed up your paperwork—this is your shot to fix it.
The best part? There’s no deadline in 2025. You can submit a reconsideration request anytime.
Borrowers who were discouraged by an early rejection now have a chance to clear up misunderstandings. This could mean the difference between staying in debt and wiping out your balance.
How to Qualify for PSLF Reconsideration
To apply, you need:
- A denied PSLF or TEPSLF application, or
- Evidence that your employment or payment history was valid
You do not need to resubmit your entire PSLF application. Just fill out the PSLF Reconsideration Request Form online and explain the issue.
Examples of common reasons to reconsider:
- You had the right job, but your employer wasn’t listed correctly
- Some qualifying payments weren’t counted
- You were in forbearance or deferment due to bad advice
Also, if your loan servicer provided confusing guidance or didn’t tell you to consolidate your loans, that may be a strong case.
Similarly, after you submit the form, the Department of Education reviews it and responds with a decision—though it can take a few months. In the meantime, keep making qualifying payments if you’re still in public service.
What Is PSLF Buyback?
PSLF Buyback is the Department of Education’s way of letting you pay to retroactively receive credit for past months that didn’t count toward PSLF.
Sounds strange, right? But for some, it’s a huge win.
If you had long periods of forbearance or deferment (especially from 2008 to 2013), you might be eligible to “buy back” that time.
It works like this:
- FSA calculates what your payment would have been at the time, based on your income and family size
- You make that payment now
- In return, those months are added to your PSLF count
However, this applies only to borrowers with time that would have qualified if not for being in deferment or forbearance.
Let’s say you were working as a teacher between 2010 and 2013, but your loans were in forbearance the entire time. If you’re eligible for buyback, you could purchase those 36 months back and get full PSLF credit.
Should You Buy Back Past Time?
Here’s the key question: Does buying back months bring you closer to forgiveness?
Buyback only makes sense if:
- You’re working full-time in public service now
- You were in public service during the time you want to buy back
- You’ve already served at least 120 months at a qualifying employer
Also, consider the cost. For instance. if your income gives you a payment of $100 per month and you’re looking to buy back 36 months, that’s $3,600 to buy back the time. That’s not pocket change—but it could cancel $50,000+ in loans.
After all, run the numbers. If you’re three months short of forgiveness and buyback gets you there, the return on investment is enormous. But if you’re far from 120 payments, it may not be worth it—yet.
However. important to note: The buyback opportunity is only available to you if the months you plan on buying back would bring you up to 120 qualifying payments. Only completed seven years in public service? This is not for you. But, if you’ve already spent 10 years at a nonprofit and a few missed payments are all that’s holding you back from loan forgiveness, you’re the perfect candidate.
Talk to your servicer, and if needed, a professional who understands the details of PSLF Buyback. This isn’t a decision to make blindly.
Need help making sense of all of these options? Our experts can point you in the right direction. Call now!
Example Scenarios: Who Should Consider These Options?
Let’s look at some real-world examples.
Case 1: The Overlooked Nonprofit Worker. Melissa worked at a qualifying nonprofit for eight years but only recently certified her employer for the first time. Her PSLF application was approved, but only counted five of the eight years of service. She files a reconsideration with her payment records and employer certification, and gets 96 payments approved.
Case 2: The Public School Teacher with Forbearance Gaps. David taught high school from 2010 to 2020. But his loans were in forbearance for several years. With the Buyback program, he pays $1,200 to reclaim 48 qualifying months and hits the 120-payment threshold. David’s loans are then forgiven.
Case 3: The Government Employee Who Listened to Her Servicer. Sarah called her servicer to say that her payments were unaffordable. Instead of being advised of her Income-Driven options, she was placed on a temporary forbearance for one year. After filing for PSLF Buyback and backpaying that one year of forbearance, 12 payments are restored, saving her a year of extra work, and earning that forgiveness.
These scenarios show how both tools can dramatically change someone’s trajectory.
How to Start the Reconsideration or Buyback Process
- PSLF Reconsideration: Visit the PSLF Reconsideration site and click the link that says “Submit a reconsideration request”. You’ll need to come prepared with documentation to prove your case, such as payment history or letters from your loan servicer.
- PSLF Buyback: Just like before, you’ll start by submitting a PSLF Reconsideration request at the link above. This time, however, you’ll need to include the phrase “I have at least 120 months of approved qualifying employment, and I am seeking PSLF or TEPSLF discharge through PSLF buyback. Please assess my eligibility for PSLF buyback.” However without this phrase, your request will not go through. If approved, Federal Student Aid will send you a bill for the unpaid amount and you will have 90 days to fully satisfy the payment amount.
FAQs About PSLF Reconsideration and Buyback
Is there a fee to submit a reconsideration?
Nope. It’s free.
Can I request a buyback if I’m no longer in public service?
Yes. As long as you were employed full-time with a qualifying employer at the time of your 120th payment, you can qualify for PSLF Buyback.
Do I need to use the PSLF Help Tool?
Yes. That’s the official portal for both PSLF applications and reconsideration requests.
How long will it take to hear back?
Above all, it can take several weeks to a few months. Stay patient and keep records.
If I’m working on paying the amount from my Buyback agreement, do I still need to pay my student loans?
Yes, you are responsible for making both your regular monthly student loan payment and the amount required to satisfy the buyback amount. Therefore, don’t worry; you’ll be refunded for any overpayments beyond your 120th month.
Biggest Mistakes to Avoid
However, don’t rush the process. Here are a few traps to avoid:
- Not checking employment eligibility: You need a qualifying job and the right documentation.
- Ignoring your loan type: Only Direct Loans qualify for PSLF. If you have FFEL or Perkins loans, consolidate first.
- Missing communication from your servicer or the Department of Ed: These notices matter.
- Assuming your employer automatically qualifies: Use the PSLF Help Tool to confirm.
And most importantly—don’t assume your servicer got it right. Reconsideration exists because they often didn’t.
Real Talk: Is It Worth It?
If you’re still working in public service and hoping for forgiveness, both tools are 100% worth exploring.
Reconsideration is free. Buyback may cost you up front, but the return can be massive.
The bottom line: Don’t leave forgiveness on the table.
Need Help Navigating PSLF?
👉 Need expert guidance? At Docupop, we specialize in helping borrowers navigate the complexities of student loan repayment—so you don’t have to do it alone. Contact us today to get personalized support and ensure you’re on the right path to managing your student debt.
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