LRAP Application

We are currently accepting applications for the 2026-27 LRAP application cycle, which applies to student loan payments made between November 1, 2026, through October 31, 2027. You must be in active repayment on an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan and submit proof of your current monthly payments to apply. The IDR plans that qualify for 2026-27 LRAP are Income-Based Repayment (IBR), Income-Based Repayment for New Borrowers (New IBR), Pay As you Earn (PAYE), and the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP).

To apply for the current 2026-27 LRAP cycle, you will need to gather and complete the following documents to submit with your LRAP application:

Your most recent federal tax return (IRS form 1040)
Student Loan Account Information (proof you are in active repayment on an income-driven repayment plan with the exact amount you owe each month)
Employment Verification Form (to be completed by your employer) (Download and complete the Employment Verification Form)
Documentation of Use Form (if you received a 2025-26 LRAP award) (Download and complete the Documentation of Use Form)

If you submit your application by September 30, 2026, you will be processed in the first wave of applications sent to Student Finance. If you miss this deadline, you will be processed in the second wave of applications, which will be sent to Student Finance on January 11, 2027. Please note, even if you miss the first wave, you will still be eligible to receive LRAP funding for any months during the cycle that you owe payments on qualifying student loans.

For more information about LRAP, please see the 2026-2027 Legacy LRAP Handbook.

Apply Here!

Questions?

If you have general questions about loan repayment, please contact the Chicago Office of Financial Aid at financial-aid-chicago@northwestern.edu.

If you have any questions about LRAP or experience issues with the application, please email lrap@law.northwestern.edu.