The PLUS Loan Application allows you to: request a Direct PLUS Loan; change the amount of a Direct PLUS Loan you previously requested; authorize how the school may use your Direct PLUS Loan funds to pay for educational expenses.
Please note that requests for a Parent PLUS increase can only be completed if the credit check on the original loan is still valid. If the credit check has expired, the parent-borrower will need to complete a new PLUS loan application to receive additional funds.
How much can I borrow in Direct PLUS Loans? There are no set annual or aggregate limits. You may borrow up to your full cost of attendance, minus any other financial aid you receive (including Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, scholarships, and certain fellowships).
In some instances, it is not possible to add additional funds to an existing personal loan that you have already taken out. However, you may be eligible for a loan top-up and add more funds to your current loan so that your debt is all in one place with the same lender.
A further loan (also called a further advance) refers to borrowing an additional amount on your existing home loan. The requirement to register the new amount, or not, will depend on whether a higher amount was registered than the loan amount when you initially took out your bond.
You can opt for a new loan which covers both your existing loan amount and new financial requirement. In this case, you get one consolidated EMI covering the entire value. Else, you can also choose to get a new loan only for new requirement, in which case you pay separate EMIs for both, your existing and new loan.
What Are Some Reasons to Avoid PLUS Loans? First, PLUS loans have no automatic grace period. Then there's the fact they aren't eligible for most IDR plans. Then, borrowing too much is easy to do, and finally, they're nearly impossible to get out of, even in bankruptcy.
With federal PLUS loans, the government will check for an adverse credit history, although there is still no minimum credit score requirement. Those who have a less-than-perfect credit history, however, may need to meet additional requirements to get approved.
Get additional Direct Unsubsidized Loans.
If you're a parent and you're unable to get a PLUS loan, your child may be able to get additional unsubsidized loan funds. Normally, a dependent student can't get as much unsubsidized loan funding as an independent student can.
In this scenario, a borrower can have as few as two Parent PLUS Loans. By consolidating the Parent PLUS Loans into two separate Direct Consolidation Loans, and then consolidating the two Direct Consolidation Loans together, the final Direct Consolidation Loan will be eligible for the SAVE plan.
Loan Amount Limits
The maximum PLUS loan amount you can borrow is the cost of attendance at the school your child will attend minus any other financial assistance your child receives.
If you are requesting to increase the Parent PLUS Loan amount borrowed, you will need to submit a new Parent PLUS Loan application on StudentAid.gov . If the loan was approved via an endorser or appeal option, a new endorser addendum or appeal will be needed.
Are Direct PLUS Loans eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)? Your loan's eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) depends on whether you have a Direct PLUS Loan for graduate or professional students or a Direct PLUS Loan for parents.
Parent PLUS Loans can impact your credit score, but as long as you use the debt responsibly, you likely don't need to worry about anything negative in the long run. That said, there are other reasons to consider avoiding Parent PLUS Loans.
Note: A Direct PLUS Loan is commonly referred to as a parent PLUS loan when made to a parent, and as a grad PLUS loan when made to a graduate or professional student. Begin your Direct PLUS Loans application online.
Parent PLUS Loan Repayment Terms
Only the parent borrower is required to pay back a Parent PLUS Loan, as only the parent signed the master promissory note for the Parent PLUS Loan. The student is not responsible for repaying a Parent PLUS Loan. They're under no legal obligation to do so.
Key takeaways. To qualify for a parent Direct PLUS loan, your child must be an undergraduate student enrolled in an eligible college at least half time. You also have to pass a credit check or you may have to apply with a cosigner.
If you have a good credit history and can qualify for a lower interest rate on a private student loan, it may be a better option for you. However, there are protections and benefits of federal loans that could be beneficial in some circumstances, so in that regard a Parent PLUS loan may be the better choice.
The repayment period begins after the loan is fully paid out, but you can request a deferment so you don't have to make payments while your child is enrolled at least half-time and for six months after they graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment.
Parent PLUS loans can be a good alternative to private student loans because they offer more flexible repayment options. But Parent PLUS loans can be costlier than other options, and consequences are harsh for default, including the potential for wage and Social Security garnishment.
If you've already taken out a loan but need additional funds, you might be wondering if you can add to your existing personal loan. In most cases, the answer is no. You can't increase your loan amount, but you may be able to apply for a second loan. Technically, there's no limit to how many personal loans you can have.
Improving your credit score can be an excellent solution if you need a higher loan amount. Clearing the existing loans and paying your Credit Card bills on time without delays or defaults are some of the ways to keep a healthy credit score.
Build a Strong Financial History:
Establish a continuous record of income and expenses, keep your bank account balance positive, and steer clear of overdraft fees. Lenders are more likely to increase your loan limit if your financial history shows you to be a dependable borrower.