I hope you can help me out, as I have been getting many conflicting stories.

I have since consolidated my $70,000.00 law school debt with the federal government under the income-based repayment plan.  The first payment was this month.

Of course, I would like to have the remainder of this debt extinguished after 10 (ten) years (120 payments) under the plan via the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.  I am currently an Assistant District Attorney and hope to stay that way.

Is there a separate form to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program OR do I simply make the 120 payments/10 years and THEN apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

I have looked everywhere for an application for the specific Loan Forgiveness Program, but all I see is the consolidation paperwork?

What should I do?  Where is the paperwork for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (NOT the consolidation information)?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

There isn’t any application for forgiveness yet, but there is a DRAFT Employment Certification Form and Instructions.

You can’t use this form yet, because it currently in a Public Comment period.  I expect it to be finalized and ready for use around the first part of 2012.  Then you’ll want to get that completed and submit it to the Department of Ed.

Otherwise, just be sure you’re in Federal Direct and IBR, and that your job is full-time paid work for a qualifying public service organization.  Also, make your payments on time because they don’t count if they are more than 15 days late.  Sounds like you’re on the right track.

Do me a favor?  Pass along this info to other folks you work with.  Lot’s of people can benefit from this program.

Folks wanting to get all the detail can attend a free webinar.  There is one tomorrow!