Heather;

You may have already answered this question and, if so, I apologize. 

I’m currently finishing up a graduate program and have taken advantage of the Special Direct Consolidation Loan to get all of my loans (both undergraduate & graduate) under the U.S. Dept. of Education.  Since I’m also a state employee, I’ve signed up for the PSLF Program and will begin making payments once I finish in August. 

My question pertains to the grace period.  Since I’ve consolidated, will those PSLF payments start counting in August, or do I have to wait until the grace period ends, even though I’ve consolidated? 

Also, if I ever decide to enter a new graduate program, I am assuming that those loans will be their own set of loans not under the umbrella of the consolidated loans, and therefore i’d be making 2 separate payments, with the grace period applying to the newer loans. :)

This is all so confusing to me.  Thank you so much for your help.

When loans are in a “repayment status”, which typically happens after consolidation, you can choose a repayment plan, like IBR.  Payments made under IBR are eligible for PSLF, and can count towards the 120 payments required for forgiveness, assuming you meet the other requirements, like working full time in a qualifying public service job.