Qualifying employer educational assistance can include student loan payments. For 2026, the $5,250 exclusion is a combined limit for qualifying educational assistance, not a separate allowance for each type of benefit.

The employer needs a qualifying program. You cannot simply reimburse yourself and call the payment tax-free educational assistance. Coordinate the benefit with other education-related tax items.

Your next steps

• Ask whether your employer offers a qualifying program.
• Track benefits received during the year.
• Avoid counting the same expense toward incompatible tax benefits.

General education, not individualized tax or legal advice. Illustrations use stated assumptions and do not promise a refund or tax saving.