I’m currently single, but engaged to be married and currently I’m enrolled in IBR. My question/concern is regarding the proposed rule changes to PAYE and whether or not I should stay in IBR going forward, or if I would be able to change back to IBR from PAYE once I get married.

If I qualify for PAYE, I would benefit by being able to pay less each month than I do now under IBR. However, once I get married, under the new proposal, I’d be required to use my spouse’s income, which would make me likely ineligible to stay on PAYE.

My question is this: is it possible to sign up for PAYE, and once I’m married switch back to IBR to avoid having to count my spouse’s income? Or would it make more sense to just remain on IBR as I am now?

A couple of thoughts: changes to the rule about separating income by filing separately IF ENACTED are 1) likely/hopefully only going to apply to “new borrowers” and 2) presumably would change the treatment of married income under both IBR and PAYE.

In any event, under current rules borrowers may change repayment plans to other repayment plans for which they qualify, yes.