When is my student loan written off?
Last updated: · Check your write-off date
Overview
Every UK student loan has a write-off date. If you haven't fully repaid your loan by that date, the remaining balance — no matter how large — is cancelled at no cost to you. You do not owe anything further and there is no tax to pay on the written-off amount.
Write-off timelines by plan
Scroll sideways to see all columns.
| Loan Plan | Write-Off Period | Counted From |
|---|---|---|
| Plan 1 | 25 years or age 65 | The April you were first due to repay, if your first loan was paid on or after 1 September 2006; otherwise, age 65 |
| Plan 2 | 30 years | The April you were first due to repay |
| Plan 4 | 30 years or age 65 | The April you were first due to repay, if your first loan was paid on or after 1 August 2007; otherwise, age 65 or 30 years after that April, whichever comes first |
| Plan 5 | 40 years | The April you were first due to repay |
| Postgraduate | 30 years | The April you were first due to repay |
See the GOV.UK write-off guidance for current rules and exceptions.
What happens at write-off?
When your loan reaches its write-off date, the Student Loans Company (SLC) will automatically cancel any remaining balance. You do not need to apply or contact them. Repayment deductions from your salary will stop, and your loan account will show a zero balance.
If you were still making repayments through PAYE, it may take a few months for HMRC to update your tax code. If deductions continue after write-off, you can reclaim them from the SLC.
Is there tax on the written-off amount?
No. Unlike some other countries (notably the USA), the UK does not treat a written-off student loan as taxable income. The remaining balance simply disappears — there is no tax bill, no impact on your credit score and no further obligation.
Can the write-off rules change?
The write-off terms shown here are the current published rules and can change. Check the official guidance linked above for the rules that apply when you repay.
What if I die or become permanently disabled?
If a borrower dies, the outstanding student loan is written off immediately. It is not passed to next of kin or deducted from the estate.
If a borrower becomes permanently unable to work due to a disability, they can apply to have their loan cancelled. The SLC requires evidence from a medical professional confirming the borrower will never be able to work again.
Common myths
"My student loan stays forever if I don't pay it off"
False. Every UK plan has a fixed write-off date. The balance is cancelled regardless of how much remains. Most Plan 2 borrowers will have their loan written off — this is by design.
"Employers can see my student loan on my credit file"
False. UK student loans do not appear on your credit report. They do not affect your credit score. The only indirect impact is on mortgage affordability assessments, where lenders factor in the repayment deduction from your salary.
"If I move abroad I don't have to repay"
False. If you move abroad, you are required to inform the SLC and continue making repayments based on your overseas income. The SLC sets country-specific repayment thresholds. Failure to keep up with repayments can result in the full balance becoming immediately due.
When will my loan be written off?
Use our student loan calculator to see your projected write-off date based on your course start year and plan type. The results show if you are likely to clear your debt or have it written off — and how much you'll repay in total either way.