The U.S. Department of Education (ED) published interim final regulations in the Federal Register dated December 28, 2006 that go into effect on January 29, 2007. These interim regulations implement the statutory changes of the Third Higher Education Extension Act of 2006 and, in so doing, establish new discharges to survivors and other eligible victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Key Provisions

The interim final regulations:
  • Define certain terms such as “eligible public servant” and “eligible victim”
  • Describe what kind of documentation is needed to support a claim for discharge, and
  • Define parameters for applying for the discharge

ED is requesting public comments to the interim final regulations by January 29, 2007. For further information contact: Mr. Brian Smith, (ED), by phone at: 202-502–7551 or via the Internet at: Brian.Smith@ed.gov.

HESC will provide more information about this new provision as it becomes available. In the interim, any questions regarding this announcement may be directed to the Office of Counsel and Regulatory Compliance at at 518-473-8936; for toll-free calls dial 1-866-431-HESC (1-866-431-4372), press 6, or forward any e-mails to: AskPolicy@hesc.org