Hello, firstly thank you for this great resource on a very important subject. I am currently working toward PSLF as a school psychologist under an IBR plan. I’ve already submitted my application for work certification for my first year and plan to do so annually in the future. However, I am somewhat confused about the implications of consolidation. My federal loans currently appear to be divided into 11 individual loans (accumulated through undergrad and grad work) each earning the same number of credits toward PSLF as specified by FEDLOAN. My question is, at the end of the 10 year period, will these loans be lumped together for PSLF purposes or do I need to consolidate to avoid potential issues. I want to ensure that the entire loan amount is forgiven. I’m currently under the impression that consolidation in my situation would only be prudent if it would lead to a lower overall interest rate. However, I want to avoid fine print or a rule of which I may be unaware about limits to the number of loans forgiven. Thanks in advance.

And thank YOU for your public service!  Consolidation is not a necessary part of PSLF.  Only borrowers with FFEL loans need to consolidate to get into Federal Direct, because only Federal Direct Loans are eligible for PSLF.  People who already have all their loans in Direct Loans don’t need to consolidate to be eligible for PSLF.