Student loan shakeup: IDR processing resumes, spousal income rule reversed; here’s what you need to know

The U.S. Department of Education is restarting income-driven repayment (IDR) application processing after a temporary freeze, reversing a previous rule regarding spousal income for those filing taxes separately. Borrowers in SAVE plan forbearance can now switch to other IDR plans like PAYE, IBR, or ICR to pursue loan forgiveness. Full IDR processing is expected to resume by May 10, 2025.