Federal student loan borrowers must enroll in autopay by Sept. 30 to receive a temporary 1-percentage-point interest-rate reduction through June 30, 2028. The benefit applies to eligible Federal Direct Loans originated after July 1, 2012, and borrowers already enrolled in autopay will receive the additional reduction automatically. Borrowers in default must first return their loans to good standing, and they must remain enrolled in autopay to keep the benefit. The deadline comes as the Education Department implements a broader repayment overhaul, including the Repayment Assistance Plan and Tiered Standard Repayment Plan, while phasing out the Biden-era Saving on a Valuable Education plan for millions of borrowers. The department has also acknowledged technical problems with its National Student Loan Data System after correcting a court filing involving borrower income records. SAVE transitions may begin Sept. 29, while 2025-2026 FAFSA corrections are due Sept. 12. Borrowers should follow individual notices and servicer accounts because personal deadlines may differ.