You can submit the Employment Certification Form at any time, but the Department of Education suggests annually or at least when you change jobs. This makes it much easier to have your employment verified on a "current" basis rather than once you qualify after making 10 years of qualifying payments. This can save a lot of headaches down the road if you've switched jobs a few times and your old employer shuts its doors (e.g., a small qualifying non-profit). The other benefit is that the PSLF servicer will validate that you're making qualifying payments (i.e., on a qualifying repayment plan--like IBR or ICR, payments made on time, etc.).

Hi
Anybody know if the Federal Agency needs to veryify employment before you start making the IBR or ICR payments? Or do they just ceritify at year 10?