On November 9, 2007, the Department of Education published Dear Colleague Letter, GEN -07-08, which announced the approval of the new loan discharge application for spouses and parents of 9/11 victims.

The Third Higher Education Extension Act of 2006 (THEEA) authorized the discharge of the outstanding balances of certain FFEL, Direct Loan, and Perkins Loan program loans. The eligible loans were those made to the spouses or parents of eligible public servants and other eligible victims who died or became totally and permanently disabled due to injuries suffered in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The loan discharge benefit created by the THEEA is available only for FFEL, Direct Loan, and Perkins Loan program loans on which amounts had been owed on September 11, 2001, and on which amounts are still owed on the date the discharge is requested. The THEEA does not authorize the refunding of any loan payments that a borrower has made prior to the loan discharge date.

The new Loan Discharge Application: Spouses and Parents of September 11, 2001 Victims is made available to borrowers for immediate use.

Questions regarding this guidance should be directed to the Office of Regulatory Compliance at 518-473-3986, toll free at: 1-866-431-HESC (1-866-431-4372) press 6, or: askpolicy@hesc.org

Posted: 11/14/07