By May 2025, the wave of retroactive credits and growing scrutiny of employer definitions placed huge administrative strain on servicers. The DOE announced on May 14, 2025 that it had issued new compliance directives, requiring faster resolution times for PSLF and IDR-related disputes.
Media like Bloomberg (May 16, 2025) covered borrower frustrations over long delays in seeing new SAVE or adjustment payments show up properly on dashboards. In response, the DOE created a borrower “hot issue” escalation team tasked with resolving payment count discrepancies within 45 days.
Financial planning workshops this month emphasized maintaining a detailed call log. Borrowers were advised to note each contact date, representative name, and specific promises made—creating a clear chain of accountability if payment histories needed further review.
Meanwhile, the Department reiterated that the IDR waiver program would finish primary recalculations by the end of 2025. Officials urged any borrowers who still held older unconsolidated FFEL or Perkins loans to act quickly, as missed consolidation windows could permanently forfeit retroactive PSLF credit opportunities.
May closed with cautious optimism. Though some delays persisted, borrowers who kept thorough records and submitted annual certifications found themselves well-positioned to cross into full forgiveness once final adjustments settled.