Hello Heather,

I am hoping you can give some advice.

I have been on IBR for the past few years, but got married about a year ago, and filed joint income taxes this year.  Because of this, I no longer qualify for income-based repayment.

Consequently, I applied for income-sensitive repayment, but recently received notice that my application cannot be processed until I am removed from IBR.

So these are my questions:

1.  What is the benefit of staying on IBR?  If I stay on IBR can I ask for an extended payment plan or must I go on the proposed repayment plan and pay the increased payment per month?  Is there a maximum number of years I can be on IBR? Is it correct that you can only be on income sensitive for 10 Years?
2.  If I request to be removed from IBR, can I go back it on again if for some reason I have a financial hardship that year?

Thanks for any advice you can lend.