Hello Ms. Jarvis,

I just had lunch with a woman who works for the ABA and she recommended I reach out to you.  I have several concerns regarding my income based repayment plan.  I am severely in debt but managing it well enough on my plan.  When I say severely, I mean around $300,000. 

I would like to know the basic qualifications for the IBR plan.  Specifically, to qualify what must my income be?

I filed my returns “married filing separately” because I was told it would not effect my plan.  However on the application both of my servicers still ask for my household income.  What am I supposed to put here?  It seems like I file separately to avoid having my income double, but they will still take it into consideration.  Am I right?

I need to reapply soon.  My wife and I were really let down by our tax returns.  Is it really worth it to keep filing separately?  If we file jointly, how bad will that effect my monthly payments?  I’m in serious need of some guidance so I can plan my life accordingly.

To summarize:
1) What must my income be to qualify for IBR?
2) What must my household income be to qualify for IBR if married filing jointly?
3) If married filing separately to protect against having to disclose my wife’s income, how to I respond to questions regarding my household income?

Sincerely,