I have a friend that hasn’t worked in 10 years

[longviewJoe]

The fact is none of us knows for sure what this lady's situation really is.

Maybe she inherited millions of dollars and is actually paying the student loans?

Maybe she has a mental illness or other illness and can't work?

The fact is we don't know.

[rbwpi]

Originally Posted by ny789987

If she gets married, plays housewife, and files separately, she will never have to pay anything.

If she files married filing separately, her spouse will have to do the same. If he's earning 100K he will have to pay at least 5K more in Federal income taxes than if they both filed jointly.

[RamenAddict]

Originally Posted by rbwpi

If she files married filing separately, her spouse will have to do the same. If he's earning 100K he will have to pay at least 5K more in Federal income taxes than if they both filed jointly.

That depends on the repayment plan. REPAYE considers your spouse’s income regardless. The others do not.