How does the SAVE plan calculate payments?

SAVE uses 225% of the HHS poverty guideline for your family size to define protected income. Your discretionary income is your AGI minus that threshold. Payments are a percentage of discretionary income: 5% for undergraduate loans, 10% for graduate loans, or a weighted average if you have both.

What’s the difference between REPAYE and SAVE?

REPAYE used 150% of the poverty guideline and a 10% rate for all loans. SAVE increases the protected income to 225% and lowers the rate to 5% for undergraduate loans (10% for graduate), often significantly reducing payments. SAVE also prevents unpaid interest from accruing if you make your required payment.

Are these payments pre‑tax or after‑tax?

Student loan payments are after‑tax. This tool shows the per‑paycheck amount so you can see the take‑home impact.

Free SAVE calculator — simple paycheck view Authoritative formulas & annual thresholds REPAYE vs SAVE comparison

2025–2026 SAVE (formerly REPAYE) Paycheck Impact Estimator

Convert policy to paycheck reality. In seconds, see your monthly SAVE payment and the per‑paycheck impact, with a side‑by‑side REPAYE comparison. Updated with 2025 federal poverty guidelines and a 2026 projection option. Citations included.

Enter your info

All calculations happen in your browser 48 contiguous states + D.C. SAVE threshold: 225% of FPL

Estimate year

2026 uses your growth assumption below until official values are released.

Tax filing status

Under SAVE, spouse income counts if filing jointly.

Family size

Include yourself, spouse (if living together), and dependents.

Your AGI (latest tax return)

Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). Estimates are okay.

Undergraduate share of original principal

100%

Determines SAVE rate: 5% for undergrad, 10% for grad, weighted if mixed loans.

Pay frequency

Per‑paycheck impact is annual payment divided by chosen frequency.

Optional: loan details for interest comparisons

Total loan balance

Average interest rate (APR %)

For SAVE interest benefit and 10‑year standard plan comparison.

This independent tool is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education. Estimates are for the 48 contiguous states + D.C. Only. Always confirm with your loan servicer.

Your results

SAVE plan (2025–2026)

$0/mo

≈ $0 per paycheck

REPAYE (legacy)

$0/mo

≈ $0 per paycheck

Effective SAVE rate: 5% Protected income (SAVE): $0 Discretionary income: $0 Family size: 1 Year: 2025

You save $0/mo vs REPAYE

Monthly comparison Lower is better for monthly cash flow

Payments are rounded to the nearest cent. Servicers may round differently. SAVE removes negative amortization: unpaid interest above your required payment does not accrue when you pay as required.²

How the SAVE plan (formerly REPAYE) turns policy into paycheck reality

The SAVE plan protects 225% of the federal poverty guideline for your family size before calculating any payment. Your “discretionary income” is your AGI minus that protected amount. Payments are a share of your discretionary income:

5% if all loans are undergraduate
10% if all loans are graduate/professional
Weighted 5–10% if you have a mix (based on original principal)

This estimator applies the official formulas and thresholds for 2025 and lets you project 2026 with an adjustable growth assumption. It also compares to legacy REPAYE (150% FPL, 10%) so you can see the savings SAVE unlocks.

Formula details and thresholds

SAVE protected income: 225% × HHS poverty guideline for your family size.¹
Discretionary income: max(0, AGI − protected income).
SAVE annual payment: discretionary × [0.05 × undergrad share + 0.10 × (1 − undergrad share)].
REPAYE annual payment: max(0, AGI − 150% × FPL) × 0.10.
Monthly = annual ÷ 12; Per‑paycheck = annual ÷ pay periods.

For 2026, this tool can scale 2025 FPL values by your chosen growth assumption until HHS releases the final guidelines.

FAQs

Does my spouse’s income count?

If you file jointly, yes. If you file separately, it’s generally excluded under SAVE. Your family size typically includes your spouse if you live together.

Why is my payment $0?

With SAVE’s 225% FPL protection, many borrowers with modest incomes have $0 payments.

Is SAVE better than REPAYE?

For most, yes—because SAVE increases the protected income and may cut the percentage to 5% for undergrad loans. The side‑by‑side here quantifies the difference.

Do payments reduce pre‑tax income?

No. Student‑loan payments are after‑tax. The per‑paycheck view here shows the impact on take‑home cash flow.

Citations

HHS Poverty Guidelines (100% FPL), 48 Contiguous States + D.C.:
- 2024: 1 person $15,060; 2 $20,440; 3 $25,820; 4 $31,200; 5 $36,580; 6 $41,960; 7 $47,340; 8 $52,720; +$5,380 each above 8. Source: Federal Register/HHS.
- 2025: 1 person $15,650; 2 $21,150; 3 $26,650; 4 $32,150; 5 $37,650; 6 $43,150; 7 $48,650; 8 $54,150; +$5,500 each above 8. Sources: MedicaidPlanningAssistance.org, Centauri Health Solutions, VPCC.
SAVE plan details and interest benefit: Federal Student Aid — SAVE Plan (studentaid.gov).