Student Loan Marriage Penalty Elimination Act of 2025

# Student Loan Marriage Penalty Elimination Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to address a situation some married couples face with federal student loans: their combined income can result in higher loan payments under income-driven repayment plans than if they had remained unmarried. Currently, married borrowers filing taxes jointly may be required to pay more toward their student loans because their household income is calculated as a combined figure. The bill would eliminate this "marriage penalty" by allowing married couples more flexibility in how their income is counted when determining student loan payment amounts. **Who It Affects and Current Status** This bill would primarily benefit married couples with federal student loans who are enrolled in income-driven repayment plans—programs that tie monthly payments to discretionary income.

The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Republican Glenn Grothman of Wisconsin in the 119th Congress.