How do you fill out a PSLF form?

Have you been hearing about Public Service Loan Forgiveness in the news, but aren’t sure how to apply? It can be a daunting process, but is a lot simpler than it used to be and only requires a few steps. If you’re been pursuing PSLF for years and think you’re finally ready to apply for forgiveness, you’ve actually already gone through the steps, you may just not have known it! So how do you fill out a PSLF form?

PSLF Employer Certification: One Form Fits All

The Employment Form verifies that your employer is a qualified employer for PSLF and tracks the qualifying payments you’ve made toward forgiveness. It’s also the same form that is used to apply for PSLF once you’ve made all 120 QPs. Fortunately, the Department of Education created a handy helper to guide you as you complete the form and apply for forgiveness: the PSLF Help Tool!

Once you’ve gotten to the PSLF Help Tool, all you need to do is: 

1. Enter your current (and previous) employment information with the following info:
   – Your employer’s EIN number (found on your W-2)
   – Your start and end dates at each job and other information
2. Save and continue.
   – Once you save all your information, the PSLF Help Tool will generate a form  for you to print and sign.
   – Only certain e-signatures are accepted, consult the handy chart below:

Signature Type	Accepted?
Hand drawn from signature pad, mouse, or finger:	Yes
Typed using a cursive font or any other font:	No
A scanned photo of a signature that was hand-drawn on paper:	Yes
A digital certificate-based signature:	No
A signature drawn in ink and mailed:	Yes

 3. Take the form to your HR department for signature to          certify your employment. 

 4. If FedLoan Servicing is already your servicer, you can          upload the form through your account on myfedloan.org.

 5. If they aren’t, you need to fax or mail the form to the            Department of Education at the address listed on the form. 

The PSLF Help Tool will also estimate the number of qualifying payments you’ve made so far. Don’t despair if the number looks low, or it says your employer may not qualify. The number that counts is what FedLoans provides after you submit the form and they’ve taken a harder look. 

If any of this sounds too complicated for you, you’ve tried in the past and found the process confusing, or been met with results that don’t seem to line up, give us a call. We’re always available to help clear up the application process, and have guided many, many borrowers through the PSLF Form. Don’t let a bit of paperwork stand between you and student loan forgiveness!