CNBC
Student loan borrowers face steeper 'marriage penalty' under new repayment plan
Monday, August 10, 2026
The Department of Education modified income-driven repayment plan rules effective in 2026, requiring married couples filing jointly to include both spouses' incomes when calculating monthly loan payments, whereas previously only the borrower's income was considered. Borrowers married to non-borrowers or those filing separately may see increased monthly payments under the new income calculation methodology. The change applies to borrowers enrolled in income-driven repayment plans who renew their payment plans in 2026.
Original reporting: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/08/10/student-loan-marriage-penalty-rap.html