NYS Child Welfare Worker Loan Forgiveness Incentive Program FAQs


NYS Child Welfare Worker Loan Forgiveness Incentive Program FAQs

Do I need to be currently employed as a child welfare worker to be eligible for loan forgiveness payments?
No; however, an applicant must agree to work as a child welfare worker providing direct care services at a voluntary not-for-profit child welfare agency in New York State licensed by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) on a full-time basis for five years.
What are direct care services?
Direct care services include those which require some degree of interaction between the child/family and the child welfare worker, such performing assessments, home visits, direct implementation of care plans and other similar functions.
How much can I receive from the loan forgiveness program?
Recipients can receive up to $10,000 per year for up to five years of qualified service or the total amount of their student loan debt, whichever is less.
Can I receive loan forgiveness payments for student loans used to pay for both my undergraduate and graduate degree?
Yes. Awards can be used to repay both undergraduate and graduate loans.
If I must apply within 2 years of college graduation, am I ineligible if I graduated from college before 2017?
No. Applicants who graduated from college in May 2015 or after may apply for the loan forgiveness award.
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