Public Service Loan Forgiveness
In This Section
What is the PSLF program?
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is a federal program that forgives the remaining balance on Direct loans for public service employees after they have made 120 qualifying monthly payments (approximately 10 years) under a qualifying repayment plan while working full time for an eligible public service employer.
This website provides PSLF information for state agency employers, including state agency PSLF employment certification program requirements, guidance materials and employee notification template letters. State employee resources are available at Washington Student Achievement Council PSLF program.
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Statewide Initiative Plan provides an overview of the statewide initiative plan for Washington to support student loan borrowers pursuing the PSLF program by increasing awareness, improving access and removing barriers to the program.
What is the state agency PSLF employment certification program?
The state agency PLSF employment certification program requires Washington state agency employers to help employees access the PSLF program by providing information about PSLF eligibility and by certifying employment in accordance with RCW 28B.77.009, RCW 43.41.425, RCW 41.04.045, and RCW 41.04.055.
What notifications are required?
Effective June 6, 2024, state agency employers are required to provide the following notifications to support employees on their path toward loan forgiveness:
Who must follow the state agency PSLF program requirements?
For the purposes of the state agency PSLF program requirements, Washington state agencies include the following:
- Departments, offices, agencies, or institutions of state government,
- the legislature,
- institutions of higher education,
- school districts, and
- educational service districts.
Guidance for state agencies
The documents linked below provide guidance and detailed information about how you can help your employees access the PSLF program. This information includes how to implement the requirements of Washington state law, the federal PSLF program rules, and recommended best practices from the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA), the Office of the Student Loan Advocate, and OFM State HR.
- OFM State HR – Guidance about PSLF eligibility letter templates and the employment certification process
- OFM State HR – PSLF Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for state agencies
- Student Loan Advocate – Using the PSLF Help Tool for Employment Certification
- Office of Federal Student Aid article – Tackling the PSLF Form: Employer Tips
We’re here to assist employers! If you have any questions about the PSLF process as an employer, please send your question(s) to PSLF@ofm.wa.gov.
Request to be added to the PSLF distribution list to receive updates from OFM State HR about the PSLF program.
Do contractors qualify for PSLF?
Contracted employees generally do not qualify for PSLF. The exception is when state law prevents a PSLF-qualifying employer from directly hiring employees to fill specific positions or provide certain services. For example, in Washington state, contracted public defense attorneys for the Office of Public Defense qualify for PSLF. Contact PSLF@ofm.wa.gov if you believe your contract employment may qualify for PSLF under this exception.