One of the goals of our union has been to help our members find ways to benefit from loan repayment programs. Understanding these programs can be complicated, and eligibility criteria vary. We have compiled this guide of several programs to help you get started in the process, but please be sure to confirm all details directly with the appropriate program administrators.
Comparison of Loan Repayment and Forgiveness programs
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
- No title or license requirements
- Administered by Federal Department of Education
- No application deadlines
- Forgives the remaining balance on a borrower’s Direct Loans after they have made 120 qualifying monthly payments (10 years) under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer in a public service job
- NYC's WorkWell initiative recently recorded a 1hr guide to this program, see video here or written guide here.
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) Loan Repayment Programs
National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program (NHSC LRP)
- Limited to current LCSW Social Workers
- Limited to workers employed in specific sites, and typically limited to outpatient clinics (see informal listing here, where column B is "Active"; HRSA's formal listing is here)
- Awards up to $50k
- Requires 2 yr work commitment
- Current application period closed (Dec 2021); Future application deadlines are dependent on federal funding allocation. Sign up for email alerts to be notified.
National Health Service Corps Substance Use Disorder Loan Repayment Program (NHSC SUD LRP)
- LCSW Social Workers qualify, though LMSWs with CASAC may also qualify
- Limited to sub-set of NHSC-approved clinics that specifically provide substance use disorder (SUD) treatment (see informal listing here, where column C is "Yes"; HRSA's formal listing is here)
- Awards up to $75k
- Requires 3 yr work commitment
- Current application period closed (Dec 2021); Future application deadlines are dependent on federal funding allocation. Sign up for email alerts to be notified.
Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program (STAR LRP)
- LMSW and LCSW Social Workers qualify
- Limited to workers employed in specific sites (see informal listing here, where column E is "Active"; HRSA's formal listing is here)
- Awards up to $250k
- Requires 6 yr work commitment
- Application deadline currently July 7, 2022
