This morning, the Department of Education released interim final regulations related to the Higher Education Reconciliation Act (HERA), as it applies to student loan programs authorized under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). This includes the Perkins Loan Program. The regulations can be viewed at: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/06-6696.htm
Relevant to the Perkins Loan Program, the regulations include language on the new military deferment. COHEAO is holding a teleconference on the new military deferment with Gail McLarnon and Brian Smith, both management and program analysts at the Department of Education, on August 24. Be sure to watch your e-mail for additional registration information, or visit www.coheao.org
Also relevant are new regulations regarding return of Title IV funds and a clarification on how new loan rehabilitation regulations do not apply to the Perkins Loan Program.
The Department is accepting public comments on the regulations up until they go into effect - September 8, 2006. Comments should be e-mailed to HERAComments@ed.gov.
If you have any questions about the regulations, please contact Harrison Wadsworth (hwadsworth@wpllc.net), Andrew Stringer (astringer@wpllc.net) or call 202-289-3910.