We need to know your tax filing status because this affects your monthly payment on an Income-Driven Repayment Plan (IDR).
If you are married and file jointly: Your combined household income will be used to calculate your monthly payment. For the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), the new income-driven plan available to Direct Loan borrowers starting July 1, 2026 married borrowers who file jointly will have a single payment calculated based on combined income. That payment is then split between spouses based on each borrower's share of the combined loan balance.
If you are married and file separately: Your servicer will generally use only your income to determine your monthly payment, which may result in a lower payment.
If you file as Head of Household: You can select Single when entering your filing status in Savi.
Savi is not a financial advisor, and we cannot recommend whether you should file jointly or separately. Everyone's situation is different, so please consult a financial advisor to determine what makes the most sense for you.
Please note: If you have Direct Loans made on or after July 1, 2026, your repayment plan options may be different. The Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) and the Tiered Standard Repayment Plan are the available options for those loans. Some older IDR plans — including SAVE, PAYE, and ICR — are being phased out. Savi will help guide you to the right plan based on your loans and situation.