What should I include in a PSLF reconsideration request?

The disputed months by loan with start and end dates, your employer and its certification dates, each payment's date and amount, your repayment plan, why each month qualifies (paid in full and on time, on a qualifying plan, during certified full-time employment), the correction you want, and supporting documents such as your payment history.

Can I add documents after submitting a PSLF reconsideration request?

No. Once the request is in review you cannot add information, so include everything when you submit.

PSLF help · Last checked November 4, 2026

How to dispute your PSLF count: what to include.

Q: What is the deadline for PSLF reconsideration?

For letters dated July 1, 2023 or later, file within 90 days of the date on the letter.

There's no official PSLF dispute letter. The official route is the online PSLF Reconsideration Request, and what you put in it decides whether you get the months back. Here's what the Education Department asks for, a checklist to build your case, and where to go if it's denied.

Deadline: for letters dated July 1, 2023 or later, file within 90 days of the date on the letter. You can't add anything after you submit, so gather everything first.

The official route: PSLF Reconsideration

One reconsideration type per request: Ineligible Employer, Incorrect Qualifying Payment Count, or PSLF Buyback.
The start and end dates of each disputed period. Put any extra periods in the text box.
An explanation of why those months should count, in up to 2,000 characters.
Documents, which are optional. FSA names your payment history and any letters from ED or a former PSLF servicer.

After you submit, ED gives no status updates until it decides, then emails the decision. Don't file duplicates; they slow things down. The decision is final unless you bring new evidence.

One exception: if the problem is a PSLF form that isn't showing in your account, don't file reconsideration. Upload the form again in your StudentAid.gov account; the mailing address and fax number are on the form itself.

What to write: a checklist

This is our checklist, built from the fields ED asks for. It isn't an official template.

Your name and contact details as they appear on StudentAid.gov.
The disputed months, by loan, as start and end dates.
Your employer, and the dates it certified your employment.
The date and amount of each payment.
Your repayment plan in those months.
Why each month meets the rule: paid in full and on time, on a qualifying plan, during certified full-time employment.
The exact correction you want.
A list of what you're attaching.

Sample explanation (example numbers)

I am requesting reconsideration of my PSLF qualifying payment count for my Direct Unsubsidized Loan, serviced by MOHELA. StudentAid.gov shows 84 qualifying payments as of October 30, 2026. My records show 87. The three months not counted are June, July, and August 2019. In each month I paid the full scheduled amount of $284.17 on or before the due date (paid June 10, July 12, and August 9, 2019) while repaying under the IBR plan. During that period I worked full time for [employer], which certified my employment from [start date] to [end date]. Attached are my servicer payment history, bank statements showing each payment, and my employment certification. Please credit these three months as qualifying payments.

That's under 800 characters, leaving room for more periods within the 2,000 limit.

Documents that carry weight

Your servicer payment history, saved as a PDF.
Bank statements showing each disputed payment leaving your account.
Letters from ED or a former PSLF servicer, especially any "qualifying payment reduction" notice.
Your PSLF forms and ED's responses. Signed forms need a handwritten or drawn signature; typed names aren't accepted.
W-2s for each year, or paystubs for each month, for any period your employer couldn't certify.

If it's denied or stuck

FSA Ombudsman

The last resort after other channels, online at StudentAid.gov. FSA says to come ready to explain the problem and its cause, the outcome you want, what you've already tried, and your documents. The same four points make a good outline for any written dispute.

Your servicer

Wrong payment amounts, dates, or plan placement are servicer problems. Upload a written explanation through your servicer account, which is usually fastest; the mailing address is on the servicer's contact page.

CFPB complaint

For servicer problems, file at consumerfinance.gov/complaint: the key facts in your own words, the important dates, amounts, and communications, with statements and letters attached. Your PSLF count itself is set by ED, not the servicer.

Build the record as you go

A dispute is only as strong as your records. LoanPilot logs each qualifying payment on your iPhone with its billing month, date paid, amount, and a photo of the receipt. When your count and the official count disagree, it exports a dispute summary listing every payment, date, and receipt: a reference for the explanation box and a document you can upload with your request.

Get LoanPilot for iPhone

No account, and your data stays on your iPhone. The PSLF audit tracker is $49.99/year after a 7-day free trial, or $9.99/month. The plan comparison is free.

Quick answers

Is there an official PSLF dispute letter?

No. The official route is the online PSLF Reconsideration Request on StudentAid.gov.

What's the deadline?

90 days from the date on the letter, for letters dated July 1, 2023 or later.

Can I add documents after I submit?

No. Once the request is in review you can't add information, so include everything up front.

How will I hear back?

By email, once ED decides. There are no status updates before then.

Sources

PSLF Reconsideration Request, page text filed with OMB, July 2026
34 CFR 685.219, the PSLF regulation (review standard)
PSLF form (signatures, alternative employment documents)
FSA Ombudsman and CFPB complaint guidance
FSA: 4 tips for PSLF success (recordkeeping)

More guides

General information for education, not legal or financial advice. LoanPilot is an independent app, not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or any loan servicer. Rules and processes change; confirm with StudentAid.gov and your servicer. LoanPilot home · Privacy · Support · Terms