FAFSA IDR application suddenly unavailable online - Nelnet forcing paper forms?

This just happened to me too! I spent two hours trying to recertify my IDR plan on Nelnet yesterday. The link for electronic filing that used to be there is completely gone now. I think it has something to do with the transition to the new SAVE plan. When I finally got through to a representative (after being on hold for 75 minutes), they told me they're temporarily moving some applications to paper while they update their system. They're supposed to mail me the form, but who knows how long that will take. You might want to download the general IDR form from StudentAid.gov as a backup - it's not Nelnet-specific but should work.

omg same!!! my payments r starting in like 3 weeks and i cant find the stupid form anywhere on the site. like why would they make it HARDER to pay less right when payments r starting again??? makes no sense

Former financial aid counselor here. This is happening across several loan servicers, not just Nelnet. The Department of Education is transitioning fully to the SAVE plan (which replaces older IDR plans like PAYE and REPAYE), and some servicers are having technical difficulties implementing the new system. Here's what you should do: 1. Download the general IDR application from StudentAid.gov (not the FAFSA site) 2. Complete it and include your most recent tax return or pay stubs 3. Fax or mail it to Nelnet (faxing is faster if you have access to one) 4. Request a temporary forbearance while your application is processing - this will prevent the payment jump temporarily 5. Keep documentation of everything you submit and when The good news is that once approved, SAVE plan payments are generally lower than previous IDR plans for most borrowers. The bad news is processing times are running 4-6 weeks for paper applications.

Forbearance typically doesn't count toward loan forgiveness programs like PSLF, but there's an exception here. If you request an administrative forbearance specifically for processing an IDR application, those months WILL count toward forgiveness as long as your application is ultimately approved. Make sure you specifically request an "administrative forbearance while IDR application is processing" and get confirmation in writing if possible.

when i was on nelnet i had the SAME EXACT ISSUE and switched to mohela becuz of it!!!! nelnet is the absolute worst with this stuff 🙄 they keep making "system updates" that break everything and then act like it's our fault when we can't find stuff on their garbage website

After struggling to get through to Nelnet for DAYS about this same issue, I finally used Claimyr to connect with them about my IDR form. It got me through to a live person at Nelnet in about 15 minutes instead of waiting for hours or getting disconnected. The agent confirmed they're having technical issues with their online IDR system and sent me the form via email while I was on the phone. You can check out how it works at claimyr.com - they have a video that shows the process: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ. Seriously saved me so much frustration after getting disconnected three times trying to do it myself.

I work in financial aid at a university, and this issue is happening with several servicers as they transition to the SAVE plan. One important clarification: this isn't actually related to FAFSA at all - FAFSA is for initial student aid applications. The IDR plans are post-graduation repayment options for federal loans. The paper process is frustrating but temporary. Make sure you're using the most current IDR form that includes the SAVE plan option (released January 2024). Also, remember that even though your payment amount says it will increase after 8 months, you can recertify your income before that happens to prevent the jump. Set a calendar reminder for 2 months before the increase date.

Everyone keeps talking about SAVE plan this and SAVE plan that but i dont understand why they keep changing these stupid programs every 2 years!! i was on IBR then they moved me to REPAYE and now SAVE?? and each time they mess something up and i end up with higher payments for 3 months until they fix it. the whole system is designed to confuse people so we give up and just pay the high amounts.

UPDATE: Finally got the form! For anyone else dealing with this, I ended up downloading the general IDR application from StudentAid.gov, filling it out with my Nelnet account info, and faxing it to them using an online fax service. I also called (finally got through) and requested the administrative forbearance while it processes. The agent confirmed they're having technical issues with their electronic system for IDR applications but said it should be resolved within 6 weeks. In the meantime, they're processing all applications manually. She also emailed me a receipt confirming they received my application. Thanks everyone for your help!

Just want to add for anyone else dealing with this - if you're having trouble with the online fax services, most UPS Stores and FedEx locations can fax documents for you for a small fee (usually $1-2 per page). I know it seems old-school, but it's faster than mailing and you get a confirmation receipt. Also, make sure to include a cover sheet with your loan account number and clearly write "IDR APPLICATION" at the top - it helps them route it to the right department faster. The whole situation is frustrating but at least there are workarounds while they fix their system.