January 27, 2022

Does the Air Force Offer Student Loan Repayment?

Repayment

Like many other institutions in the public sector, the Air Force has options to tackle student loans. They can opt to go under one of these repayment plans, which may also qualify them for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Aside from these, there are also benefits that an eligible individual may also acquire. These all depend on if they can gain eligibility.

The Specifics of Air Force Student Loan Repayment

The loan repayment program was one of the ways to encourage people to transition to the air force. There are differences when compared to Navy and Army benefits. The Air Force can provide a $10,000 maximum annual loan repayment a year. During your first year, they will pay around $1,500 or 33% of the remaining principal balance of the first year.

From then on, they will continue paying the debt until they reach the limit. While it isn’t a total repayment, unlike other offices, the $10,000 can go a long way towards helping pay the loan off quickly.

Those in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps have more opportunities for repayment. They can apply for up to $65,000, which the Air Force will pay directly to the lender. Those under JAG may also access income-based repayment plans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Plans. The eligible can also transfer some of their benefits to dependents.

Gaining Eligibility

There are only several types of loans that qualify for Air Force student loan repayment. The first qualification is that the student must have had a federal loan. The Air Force does not entertain repayment for private loans. Some examples of qualified loans include:

  • ALAS
  • Perkins
  • FISL
  • Stafford
  • PLUS

You must sign up for the repayment program during enlistment or risk missing out. The repayment plan also has some other requirements you need to follow:

  • You must forego eligibility to post 911 GI bill benefits unless you serve for a minimum of six years.
  • You must enlist with the Air Force for at least four years
  • You should not have any military service on your record

Is The Repayment Plan Worth It?

One of the biggest concerns among many applying is the inability to receive post 911 GI Bill Benefits if you don’t serve for at least six years. Those who would want to take advantage of these advantages may need to indicate that they’re staying for longer or lose all those advantages. Applicants should also know that 28% of repayment goes to taxes, meaning that they will only get $7,200 of the total $10,000.

Service members can qualify for more benefits if they participate in specific missions. Some have gained up to $20,000 in benefits that go into student loan repayment.

Keep in mind, though, that Air Force Reserves do not qualify for any program or benefit unless they are on specific missions.

Putting It All Together

The best way to seek out Air Force student loan repayment is if you’re in a circumstance where you’re not under large debt. That way, the plan will have more of an impact. Those who’d want to serve under the force longer may want to take advantage of it.

Use Chipper for Lower Payments

Chipper can help you find a student loan repayment plan that actually fits into your budget. You simply fill out your information and link your student loan account for us to generate your options in seconds. We help the average student loan borrower save over $300 a month off their student loan monthly payment. Lowering your monthly payment plan can game changing for your personal finance and can be done in minutes! Sign up for Chipper today to get on track with your student loans.

Use Chipper for The Best Path to Forgiveness

Finding your path to student loan forgiveness is easier than ever before. Chipper helps members find better Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans every day. Once enrolled in an eligible repayment plan, we can help you explore your forgiveness options and understand your path towards forgiveness. Sign up with Chipper today and get on track with your student loans.

Use Chipper for Round-Ups

Paying off your student loans doesn’t have to be a long and painful journey. Round-Ups are a way to directly pay off your loans with your everyday spending! By tracking your linked spending account(s), we will calculate the rounded up amount from each transaction in a week (IE spending $4.28 would add $0.72 to the weekly amount). We then initiate a payment towards your student loan for the weekly amount. Get chipping away on your student loans with Chipper today.

Use Chipper for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program was created to provide relief to borrowers aiding the public sector. Unfortunately, 30% of applicants are denied due to incorrect paperwork. We can help! Chipper was created to solve this issue by assisting borrowers in understanding their options as well as allowing forgiveness eligible users enroll into the best forgiveness program available. Sign up for Chipper today to see your student loan forgiveness options and get the forgiveness you deserve.

Use Chipper for Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF)

The Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF) program was created to enable teachers working in Title 1 schools to receive student loan forgiveness of up to $17,500 (depending on their teaching subject). Chipper has helped teachers from all over the country qualify for TLF program and can help you get the forgiveness you deserve today. Find out if you qualify for forgiveness in minutes with our employer search tool.

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