“I Submitted My IDR Form Months Ago—Where’s My Update?” How Public Service Borrowers Can Track Their Status and What To Do Next

For many federal student loan borrowers working in public service, enrolling or recertifying in an Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan is a critical step toward more affordable payments and long-term progress toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). But lately, one question is echoing across inboxes, social media threads, and borrower support calls:

“I submitted my IDR form months ago, but I still haven’t received confirmation. What’s going on?”

If this is you, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining the delays. Servicers have been overwhelmed by record-high processing volumes following regulatory changes, IDR account adjustments, payment restarts, and PSLF inquiries.

This blog breaks down how long IDR processing actually takes, how to check your status, and what steps to take if you haven’t heard back. The goal: to help you navigate uncertainty with clarity, so you stay on track toward forgiveness even when communication stalls.

Key Points

• IDR processing delays are widespread due to high demand.
• Check your status through StudentAid.gov and your servicer portal.
• Do not resubmit unless advised by your PeopleJoy advisor.
• Save all documentation, including submission confirmations.
• Escalate after 90–120 days with the FSA Ombudsman if needed.
• Public service borrowers may still make PSLF progress during delays if requirements are met.
• Stay proactive to protect your IDR status and PSLF timeline.

Why IDR Processing Is Taking So Long

Enrollment in IDR plans—such as IBR, PAYE, and income-based alternatives while SAVE is paused—has surged. At the same time, servicers are managing:

• Millions of new IDR submissions and recertifications
• Preparation for repayment changes introduced by OBBB
• PSLF employer certification processing
• Customer service surges after new federal guidance

These overlapping demands mean processing timelines can stretch from several weeks to several months. Some borrowers report waiting three to six months for updates.

While frustrating, long processing times don’t necessarily mean something is wrong with your application.

How to Check the Status of Your IDR Application

1. Log in to StudentAid.gov—Your Source of Truth

Go to your Dashboard → Loan Details → My Aid. If your IDR request has been received, you’ll typically see a notation indicating it's “in review.”

2. Check Your Loan Servicer’s Online Account

Each servicer displays IDR updates differently. Look for status updates such as:

• “Under review”
• “We’re calculating your payment”
• “Pending documentation”

3. Confirm That Your Income Documents Were Received

If you submitted tax returns or pay stubs, double-check:

• That the files uploaded correctly
• There were no file-size or format errors
• Nothing expired (pay stubs older than 90 days may be rejected)

4. Look for Email Notices (and Spam Folders)

Servicers often send automated notices that get filtered out.

5. Call Your Servicer—But Prepare for Long Waits

Phone lines have been overwhelmed.
If you call, ask specifically:

• Has my IDR form been received?
• When was it last touched?
• Is anything missing?
• Is my account in administrative forbearance?

What If You Still Haven’t Heard Back? Steps to Take

1. Don’t Submit a Duplicate Application

Multiple submissions can reset the processing clock. Only resubmit if your servicer confirms your application is missing or if your PeopleJoy loan advisor recommends doing so.

2. Check Whether Your Loans Are in “Administrative Forbearance”

Some borrowers are temporarily placed in forbearance while their IDR is being processed.
Key point: these months may or may not count toward PSLF, depending on the current federal guidance. Document everything.

3. Keep Proof of Submission

Save screenshots and confirmation emails. If anything goes wrong, this documentation helps you dispute errors.

4. If Your Payment Amount Suddenly Changes

Occasionally IDR is processed without sending a confirmation. If you see an unexpected increase or decrease:

• Call your servicer
• Compare the billed amount to your expected IDR estimate
• Ask for an IDR recalculation if something seems off

5. Continue Making Payments If You Can

While waiting, you’re still responsible for payments unless your account is in forbearance or deferment. If payments are unaffordable, request:

• A temporary hardship forbearance
• A general forbearance

But use these sparingly—they may not count toward PSLF depending on federal rules.

How This Affects PSLF Borrowers

For public service employees, delays can be particularly stressful. The good news:

• If you’re already in an IDR plan, you remain in it while your recertification is pending.
• If your employer certification (ECF) is pending, your qualifying employment still counts as long as you meet PSLF rules.
• If you’re waiting for your first IDR approval, once your plan is processed, you’ll move forward with PSLF eligibility.

When Should You Worry?

If it has been more than 120 days and:

• You see no updates in your servicer account
• You’re not in forbearance
• Your payments haven’t adjusted
• You received no documentation request

…it’s time to escalate.

Servicers make mistakes. Files get lost. Borrowers fall through the cracks. Your persistence—documented, organized, and proactive—is your best strategy.

Ready to Take Control? Explore More Guides That Keep You Informed

Federal student loan policies are shifting constantly, and staying updated is one of the most effective ways to protect your progress—whether you're navigating PSLF, choosing the right IDR plan, or dealing with long servicing delays.

If you’re looking for deeper guidance, strategies, and explanations written specifically for public service workers, explore our other educational blog posts. We regularly publish clear, actionable breakdowns on topics like managing IDR recertification, understanding PSLF rules, preparing for payment count adjustments, and avoiding common servicer pitfalls.

These borrower-first resources are designed to help you feel equipped—not overwhelmed—as you make decisions about your financial future.

Take the next step. Your path to affordable payments—and forgiveness—starts with understanding the system and using the tools available to you.