Student loan borrowers who are married may soon face larger monthly payments due to a recent policy reversal tied to ongoing legal battles over federal repayment plans. A shift in how spousal income is factored into income-driven repayment (IDR) calculations is expected to take effect in May 2025, and it could have major financial implications for millions of Americans.
This change stems from the suspension of the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan, a centerpiece of the Biden administration’s student loan reform efforts. The SAVE plan had allowed married borrowers who filed their taxes separately to have their loan payments based solely on their own income.
That method often reduced payment obligations for households where one spouse earned significantly more than the other-or where only one partner held federal student debt.
However, a federal court recently blocked key provisions of the SAVE plan, forcing the Department of Education to revert to older IDR rules. The consequence? Spousal income will soon be factored into monthly payment calculations-even when married borrowers file their taxes separately or are not living together.
Inclusion of spousal income raises legal questions and monthly costs
The change is expected to impact many borrowers when it takes effect on May 10, 2025, with the Department of Education announcing that spousal income will be included in all IDR calculations going forward. This update reverses years of guidance that allowed some married borrowers to shield their partner’s income from loan repayment formulas by filing separately.
Critics argue the change may be in conflict with federal law. Some legal experts and advocacy organizations point to U.S. Code § 1098e, which outlines how IDR payments should be calculated. According to the statute, payments for borrowers who are married but file taxes separately should be based solely on the borrower’s income-not their spouse’s. This discrepancy has sparked legal action.
Borrowers who anticipate being affected by this change should start preparing now. First, it’s important to reassess your repayment plan. If you and your spouse file taxes separately to keep your payments lower, you may want to recalculate what your payments would look like under the new rules.
You might also consider consulting with a financial advisor or student loan counselor to understand how best to manage the changes in your budget.
This news was originally published on this post .
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